John Lewis was a portraitist and stage painter, active in Dublin, London and Wales. Several landscapes by him are known, both classical and topographical.

When this picture was published in the Hampshire Chronicle in December 1865, it was suggested that the three men in the left foreground might be the poet and critic Thomas Warton (who was also a skilled artist), his brother Dr Joseph Warton (Headmaster of Winchester, 1766-93), and possibly Thomas Collins (Second Master, 1766-1784). It was suggested that the figure on the white horse might be Dr Oglander, the Warden. There is no good evidence for any of these identifications and nothing to indicate that this painting had originally any connection with the College.

Literature: Hampshire Chronicle, 2 December 1865, pp. 4-5

Exhibited: Winchester Museum, 1865

Provenance: The painting was with Nutt and Wells, College Street, in the early 1860s, where it was purchased by Rev. William Thresher (OW). He presented to Winchester College in December 1865.

Location: Warden’s Lodgings