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| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $2,500 | $100 |
| $5,000 | $200 |
| $20,000 | $500 |
| $50,000 | $1,000 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 |
Apr 24, 2026
This characterful oil on canvas painting depicts the iconic figure of Captain Macheath from John Gay’s celebrated 18th-century ballad opera The Beggar’s Opera, rendered in the spirited style of English painter Henry Liverseege (1803–1832). The composition captures the theatrical bravado of the subject, seated in shackles yet raising a glass with defiant charm, dressed in vivid period attire that contrasts dramatically against the dark interior setting. Executed with expressive brushwork and rich tonal depth, the painting reflects Liverseege’s fascination with literary and dramatic subjects, reminiscent of his well-known interpretations of Shakespearean and genre scenes. The work bears a signature lower right and is presented in an ornate gilt frame, enhancing its period appeal. Visible craquelure and surface wear consistent with age contribute to its authenticity and decorative presence, making it an engaging piece for collectors of 19th-century British school paintings and theatrical subjects alike. Approx. frame size (in): 20.5 x 16.75 x 1.5, Approx. painting size (in): 14.5 x 10.75.
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