Caunter, ‘Abraham Cann’ (1846)
An oil painting on canvas, attributed to Henry Caunter (1808-1881).
The painting was purchased by RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Item no.: 12/1959) in 1959, added to the museum collection where it still resides. This photo was taken by the DWS at the last public display of the painting in April 2022, at RAMM, Exeter.
It was displayed at The London Inn, Ashburton for a few days in Jan 1850, as reported by the Exeter Flying Post –Thursday 17 January 1850:
An excellent likeness, in oil painting, of the veteran Mr. Abraham Cann, the once noted Devon champion of wrestling, has been executed by H. Caunter,’.Esq., of this town. It adds another excellent specimen of the genius of the artist; it may be seen at the London Inn, for a few days.
RAMM reports the following inscription on the reverse:
verso label in ink inscribed Purchased at a sale of the effects of Sir Rothe Lethbridge of Sand Style Park nr. Bishop Lydard Somerset in February 1914 by Vyvyan Sinclair Smith and given to me by his father G Sinclair Smith (natal of Combe Copplestone JM Pope 22 Febr. 1914). Abraham Cann was buried Colebrook Churchyard and a stone in his memory was erected by subscription.
verso label in ink virtually indecipherable This portrait of Abraham Cann was purchased by me for 2/6 Abraham Cann was described as resembling Tom Belety, modest, unassuming, cool and taciturn, inoffensive, victorious – he was a master …. copied from annals of sport Vol 12 1827
verso stretcher newspaper cutting of 18th July 1925 News and Mercury “Wrestling in its Palmy Days – Cornish and Devon styles describing the match betwen James Polinghorne and Abraham Cann fought at Devonport on 26 October 1826 and inscribed Abraham Cann – born Spreyton in Devon – died April 1864, he was for many years the champion Devon wrestler – I purchased the portrait for 2/6 – the name of painter being unfought (sic)… out – was …. Lucky 16
Dimensions
- frame H 930 mm
- frame length 810 mm
- stretcher H 758 mm
- stretcher length 637 mm
Collection available to view online, via RAMM Collection.