JOHN RITCHIE (SCOTTISH FL.1849-65) THE CONTESTED

JOHN RITCHIE (SCOTTISH FL.1849-65) THE CONTESTED ELECTION Signed with initials, oil on canvas (74cm x 122cm (29in x 48in)) Exhibited: Birmingham Society of Artists 1867 Footnote: Note: John Ritchie’s group compositions are particularly accomplished. While the painting depicts a hustings in 1750, the scene is replete with biting commentary upon contemporary Victorian politics and society, and likely references the fierce debate that preceded the 1867 Reform Act. A series of figures placed from right to left across the composition demonstrate political engagement across diverse social groups, but also serve to illustrate their profound economic disparity and disenfranchisement: first, the children playing in a basket in the dirt, their parents perhaps in attendance either at the hustings or the nearby tavern; next, the soldier whose wounded leg means he must be wheeled to the hustings; then the well-heeled men who climb upon a cart to gain a better view; and finally, the aristocratic woman attended by her coachmen, who observes the action from the safety of her elegant carriage. Below the speaker leading the hustings, a man holds a scarecrow aloft in mockery. The mass of the crowd lends the composition an epic scope, but the discrete interactions between Ritchie’s figures also reveal pathos, satire and compassion. His compositions are rich with detail, and always reward closer inspection. Ritchie was an accomplished genre painter best-known for his depictions of contemporary Victorian life. He was particularly inspired by William Powell Frith’s panoramic paintings with animated crowd scenes. Ritchie exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists and the British Institution. This particular painting was shown at the Birmingham Society of Artists exhibition in 1867. He is best known for his companion paintings of London A Winter’s Day in St, James’ Park and A Summer Day in Hyde Park, exhibited at the Liverpool Academy in 1858. Despite Ritchie’s formidable talent, very little is known about his life.