Charles Jervas, 1675-1739

Source: Noel Mac Mahon In The Shadow Of The Fairy Hill: Shinrone and Ballingarry - A History

Charles Jervas, who was born in Clonlisk about the year 1675, was one of the most prolific and sought after portrait painters of his day. Kings, Queens, ladies and gentlemen of high society and many famous poets and writers sat for him. His work is on display in many of the stately homes of England and in the art galleries of Paris, London and Dublin. The National Gallery of Ireland has a number of paintings by Jervas in the Collection, two of which are on display in the Shaw Room at the Gallery. He was a son of John and Elizabeth Jervas. His mother was a daughter of John Baldwin of Corolanty and Clonlisk, who in 1666, together with William Flower, obtained a patent* of Shinrone and Kilballyskea in addition to a castle, (probably Corolanty) and 2.678 acres. He had four brothers. John, Martin, Matthew and Trevor, and two sisters. Lucy and Mary.

Early in his life, he left Shinrone and went to London where he studied in Keller's Academy and became his assistant. Norris, the Keeper of the King's pictures, became his patron and allowed him to copy paintings at Hampton Court. With financial help from his friends, and the money he made from selling copies of Raphael's cartoons, he set out for Italy to study art and especially drawing. While in Italy, he made many copies of the Old Masters.

On his return to England in 1709, he became fashionable as a portrait painter. He was referred to by Steele in The Tatler as,'the last great painter Italy has sent us.' He married a wealthy widow and settled down in a spacious home in Hampton, where he entertained and painted such literary celebrities as Addison, Swift, and Pope. He gave lessons in painting to Pope for about a year and a half. Jervas visited Ireland on three occasions and during his stay he painted several portraits, including those of Swift and Thomas Parnell. There is no record of him having returned to Shinrone or Clonlisk.

On the death of Keller in 1723, Jervas was appointed Principal Painter to King George I and continued to hold the same position under George II. Inspired by his association with the literary giants of his day, he made a translation of Don Quixote. He visited Italy once more in 1738 to buy pictures for the King. but owing to failing health, he remained only for a short time. He died at his brother-in-laws house the following year in 1739. He was a great collector of art, so much so, that the sale of his works after his death took nine days. The last reference we have to the Jervas family in the parish, is an entry in the Deaths Register of the Shinrone Church of Ireland, recording the death and burial of William Jervas in the year 1800.

* An official document from a monarch or government giving a right, privilege or office.

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