What is the thematic context of Pike, Tench and Chub?

formal portraiture, british naval tradition, domestic tranquility, symbolic representation, family legacy

Is Pike, Tench and Chub under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What topics does Pike, Tench and Chub explore?

fish habitat, marine life, portraiture, british art, conversation piece, naval history, georgian era

Get a giclee of Pike, Tench and Chub

Home
Print on canvas
arthur william devis
Pike, Tench and Chub

Pike, Tench And Chub — Arthur William Devis

Preview

AR preview

Buy Hand Made Painting

Buy Image

Send

WhatsApp
Telegram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Reddit

Link copied!

Details

Add to favorites Remove from favorites

X-Ray

Pike, Tench and Chub

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Georgian Portraiture
1772
54.0 x 54.0 cm
National Trust

Arthur William Devis’s ‘Pike, Tench and Chub,’ painted circa 1772, showcases a serene scene of aquatic life—three fish—executed in oil on canvas. This intimate portrait exemplifies Devis's signature style as a Georgian painter, particularly his focus on capturing the nuances of domestic interiors and familial relationships.

Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) was an English portrait & history painter known for intimate 'conversation piece' portraits, depictions of naval life including the Death of Nelson, and family portraits. Discover his legacy at Most-Famous-Paintings!

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Image)

Medium
Size
Frame
Options

Print on Cotton Glossy Canvas

Print on Matt Cotton Canvas

Print on Matt Paper

Print on Paper with Frame and Glass

Canvas Rolled in a tube Free

Stretched

Framed

Framed with Antique Wood Gesso

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Description from JS

Standard custom

Standard

custom

CM INCH

INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

choose size

Loading sizes...

width

height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

No Glossy Varnish

Add Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture) + $15

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

Need It Urgently? + $30

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (18 August)

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

$ 69

ExclamationCircle Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Pike, Tench and Chub

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Reproduction Frame

-

ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Easy to assemble using the provided screws - no glue needed.
Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

Important:
Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Urgent

Delivery in less than 3 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. No compromise on quality.

-

Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 4/5 weeks. (25 August).

Included

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 54 x 54 cm
Subject or theme: Fishing Scene
Influences: British Landscape Painting
Year: 1772
Notable elements or techniques: Conversation Piece
Artist: Arthur William Devis

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary subject matter depicted in ‘Pike, Tench and Chub’?

A Landscape Scene

A Portrait of a Noble Family

A Fishing Composition Featuring Fish

Question 2:

When was this painting created?

1680s

1750s

1772

Question 3:

Who is the artist responsible for creating ‘Pike, Tench and Chub’?

Rembrandt van Rijn

Claude Lorrain

Arthur William Devis

Question 4:

What artistic style is characteristic of Arthur William Devis's work?

Romanticism

Impressionism

Conversation Piece

Question 5:

Where can you find this artwork currently displayed?

The Louvre Museum

The British National Gallery

Kedleston Hall (National Trust)

Collectible Description

Arthur William Devis’s “Pike, Tench and Chub”: A Window Into Georgian Portraiture and Naval Sentiment

Arthur William Devis (1762–1822) stands as a pivotal figure in the landscape of Georgian portraiture, recognized primarily for his masterful execution of ‘conversation pieces,’ intimate depictions that captured not merely likeness but also social milieu. While overshadowed by later artistic trends—particularly Romanticism’s emphasis on dramatic emotion and sublime landscapes—Devis's work retains an enduring appeal due to its quiet elegance and meticulous attention to detail, offering a valuable glimpse into the sensibilities of his era.

Born in London in 1762, Devis descended from a lineage dedicated to artistic pursuits. Following closely in the footsteps of his elder brother Thomas Anthony Devis—also a painter—he embarked on an apprenticeship under the tutelage of Nicolas Antoine Jegouët, a Flemish topographical artist who instilled in him a foundational understanding of perspective and compositional balance. This formative experience decisively shaped Devis’s artistic trajectory, steering him away from grand narratives toward the nuanced portrayal of individuals within domestic settings.

“Pike, Tench and Chub,” painted circa 1772, exemplifies Devis's signature style—characterized by a restrained palette dominated by muted browns, creams, and ochres. The canvas showcases three fish specimens arranged on a richly textured surface, meticulously rendered with oil paint using glazing techniques that achieved remarkable luminosity and depth. These subtle tonal variations contribute to the painting’s overall atmosphere of serene contemplation.

Beyond its technical prowess, “Pike, Tench and Chub” resonates deeply with the intellectual currents of the Enlightenment. The inclusion of fish—particularly pike, tench, and chub—was a deliberate symbolic gesture reflecting the burgeoning interest in natural history and scientific observation prevalent during Devis’s lifetime. These aquatic creatures represented not merely beauty but also resilience and adaptability – qualities valued by thinkers grappling with questions of morality and human understanding.

Furthermore, the painting's placement within Kedleston Hall—a stately mansion owned by William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire—underscores its significance as a product of aristocratic patronage. The Duke’s fascination with natural history fueled his commissioning of Devis, demonstrating the role of wealthy patrons in fostering artistic innovation and disseminating knowledge.

“Pike, Tench and Chub” remains a testament to Devis's ability to distill complex ideas into visually arresting compositions. Its understated beauty—coupled with its intellectual underpinning—continues to captivate viewers today, cementing Devis’s place as one of the most accomplished portraitists of his generation.

Related Artworks

Jumping Trout — Winslow Homer, Realist Style

Winslow Homer Jumping Trout

The Conversation, Oil On Canvas, The Hermitage — Henri Matisse, Fauvism

Henri Matisse The Conversation, oil on canvas, The Hermitage

Conversion Of Saul — Nicolas Poussin, Baroque

Nicolas Poussin Conversion of Saul

Portrait D'un Homme Et De Sa Fille — Arthur William Devis, 18th Century Portraiture

arthur william devis PORTRAIT D'UN HOMME ET DE SA FILLE

Mr Peter Du Cane (1713–1803) — Arthur William Devis, Baroque Landscape

arthur william devis Mr Peter du Cane (1713–1803)

Francis Vincent Of Weddington Hall, Warwickshire, With His Wife Mercy And Daughter Ann — Arthur William Devis, Conversation Piece

arthur william devis Francis Vincent of Weddington Hall, Warwickshire, with His Wife Mercy and Daughter Ann

Atlantic Salmon And Allis Shad, By The River Wye ( ) — Arthur William Devis, Georgian Portraiture

arthur william devis Atlantic Salmon and Allis Shad, by the River Wye ( )

Young Man, The Young Waltonian — Arthur William Devis, Georgian Portraiture

arthur william devis Young Man, the Young Waltonian

Common Carp, Freshwater Crayfish And Eel, In An Imaginary French Setting ( ) — Arthur William Devis, Impressionism

arthur william devis Common Carp, Freshwater Crayfish and Eel, in an Imaginary French Setting ( )

Portrait Of A Gentleman In An Interior, At A Lathe — Arthur William Devis, Georgian Conversation Piece

arthur william devis Portrait of a Gentleman in an Interior, at a Lathe

Artist Biography

Arthur William Devis (1762–1822): The Gentle Hand of Portraiture and History

Arthur William Devis (19 February 1712 – 25 July 1787) was an English painter whose father, Anthony, was progenitor of what became a family dynasty of painters and writers. The place of Arthur Devis in art history is generally as painter of the type of portrait now called a conversation piece. After moving to London and apprenticeship to a Flemish topographical artist there, he switched to portraiture and acquired a considerable reputation, although this success did not last. Unable to adapt to later fashionable artistic currents, his commissions declined and his work was largely forgotten after his death until the 20th century revival of interest in the conversation piece.

Early Life & Training: Devis’s artistic talent emerged early on, fueled by a familial legacy steeped in artistic tradition. Following in the footsteps of his elder brother Thomas Anthony Devis, who was also a painter, he enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools in 1774, immersing himself in the rigorous training demanded by the era's leading artistic institution. His formative years were marked by exposure to influential figures like Sir Joshua Reynolds, whose teachings profoundly shaped Devis’s stylistic sensibilities.
Notable Commissions & Travels: Devis gained recognition through his membership in the Free Society of Artists and continued to exhibit his work at the Royal Academy, attracting considerable acclaim. A pivotal moment arrived in 1783 when he was appointed as draughtsman on the British East India Company’s packet antelope under Captain Henry Wilson. Tragically, Devis suffered a serious injury during an encounter with Papuans near the Schouten Islands and subsequently endured a shipwreck on the Pelw islands—challenges that nevertheless spurred him to persevere in his artistic endeavors.

Style & Technique: The Delicate Stroke of Elegance

Devis’s artistic style is characterized by an exquisite sensitivity to detail and a masterful command of technique, particularly evident in his portraits. He favored graceful poses—often depicting subjects in moments of quiet contemplation—creating images imbued with understated beauty and psychological depth. His palette tended towards muted tones, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic preferences of the late 18th century, yet he achieved remarkable luminosity through careful layering of glazes and subtle gradations of color. Devis’s meticulous observation of anatomy combined seamlessly with an intuitive understanding of human expression, resulting in portraits that captured not only physical likeness but also inner character.

Conversation Pieces: Devis excelled at capturing the essence of domestic life through “conversation pieces”—genre paintings depicting scenes of familial gatherings or intimate interiors—a style highly valued during his time.
Historical Subjects: Beyond portraiture, Devis undertook ambitious historical commissions, notably the depiction of Nelson’s death and a posthumous portrait honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Significant Works & Legacy

Devis produced an impressive oeuvre encompassing approximately sixty-five paintings that graced the Royal Academy galleries between 1779 and 1821, cementing his reputation as one of London’s foremost artists. Among his most celebrated achievements include:

Portrait of Sir William Jones: This masterpiece resides at the British Library, showcasing Devis's exceptional skill in capturing dignified composure and intellectual curiosity.
Nelson Portraits: His depictions of Nelson—both as Vice Admiral and posthumously—remain iconic representations of naval heroism and national pride.
Other Notable Commissions: He undertook commissions for prominent figures such as King George III on horseback, Lord Howe, and Sir Roger Newdigate, demonstrating his versatility and artistic ambition.

Devis’s work continues to inspire admiration and scholarly study, appearing in museums across Britain including the Royal Academy and the National Maritime Museum. His legacy endures not merely as a testament to artistic talent but also as an embodiment of the refined sensibilities that defined the Georgian era—a period characterized by elegance, restraint, and a profound appreciation for beauty.

arthur william devis

1712 - 1787 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Portraiture; History Painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Conversation Piece']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Joshua Reynolds']
Date Of Birth: August 10, 1762
Date Of Death: July 25, 1822
Full Name: Arthur William Devis
Nationality: English
Notable Artworks:
- Death of Nelson
- Nelson Portraits
- Master Simpson
- King George III on Horseback
- Babington Plot
- Magna Carta
Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom

Arthur William Devis: A Provincial Eye on Georgian Life & Naval History

Explore the life & work of Arthur William Devis (1762-1822), a key figure in Georgian portraiture and naval history painting. Discover his intimate 'conversation pieces' and captivating depictions of colonial India. Learn more at Most-Famous-Paintings.

Explore Article read article

John Hoppner: Portraiture, Patronage & British Identity in the Late Georgian Era

Explore the life & work of John Hoppner, a leading Georgian portraitist. Discover his vibrant style, influential patrons, and lasting impact on British art history. Expert insights for collectors.

Explore Article read article

British Museum Masterpieces: Explore 25 Iconic Artworks & Decor Inspiration

Journey through 25 iconic artworks at the British Museum, London! Explore masterpieces from Egyptian sculptures to Renaissance paintings & uncover their stories. Find museum-quality art reproductions and curated decor ideas on Most-Famous-Paintings.com.

Explore Article read article

Johann Zoffany: Capturing Georgian Society with Brushstrokes of Cosmopolitan Flair

Explore the captivating world of Johann Zoffany, master portraitist of Georgian society. Discover his unique 'conversation pieces,' imperial commissions & lasting legacy. A guide for discerning collectors.

Explore Article read article

Arthur Rackham: A Master of British Illustration & the Enchanted Realm of Fairy Tales

Explore the enchanting world of Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), a leading figure in British Golden Age illustration. Discover his iconic fairy tale art, classic book illustrations & lasting legacy. Learn more at Most-Famous-Paintings.

Explore Article read article

arthur william devis: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular
Art Movement
Format
Creative Periods
Emotional Tone
Main Colors

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Protective Varnish

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 69

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

Art Quiz

Collectible Description

Arthur William Devis’s “Pike, Tench and Chub”: A Window Into Georgian Portraiture and Naval Sentiment

Related Artworks

Artist Biography