An oil on canvas painting by English artist, Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897) entitled “Sir Galahad” on name plaque. The painting depicts the famed Sir Galahad, of the Arthurian legend, Knights of the Round Table, providing water to his white horse from his helmet. The painting seems to be in the pre-Raphaellite style, a romantic figure with his white steed among the water, reeds and trees.

Sir John Gilbert (b.1817 / d. 1897)

Gilbert was born on July 21, 1817 in Blackheath, Surrey.

He was a self taught painter.  Gilbert had an internship with a real-estate firm while teaching himself the art of copy prints.  He was given the nickname the "Scott of Painting."

Gilbert was unable to attend the Royal Academy schools.  Despite this, he mastered oils, watercolors and had many exhibitions.  From 1836 he exhibited at the Society of British Artists, and at the RA from 1838.

He began to learn woodcarving due to the advise of artist Thomas Sheepshanks and William Mulready.  Doing illustrations , Gilbert first worked at Punch Magazine and then at Illustration London News.  His many woodcarvings were shown in The London Journal. Gilbert also illustrated nearly 750 drawings for may English poets, including William Shakespeare.

The Gilbert-Garret Competition for Sketching Club was established at St. MArtin's School of Art in 1870.  In 1871, He became president of Old Watercolor Society.  Then in 1872, he was knighted.  In 1876, he became a member of RA.  

John Gilbert Knight died in 1897 and was buried at Brockly and Ladywell Cemeteries. 

The painting measures 28” x 36” and overall with the gilt frame measures 35” x 42 3/4”. There was a curved scratch through the center of the painting that just barely went through the canvas in places, which has been professionally repaired. The painting is very dark in the area of the lake and trees, even though it has been professionally cleaned by Art Post Gallery in Northbrook, IL. A high quality picture light does bring out the detail and makes the painting look much better.

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