Sir Richard Ansdell RA (1815-1885) The Monastery Signed and dated Ansdell 1837 (lower left) Oil on canvas 96.5 x 127.3cm; 38 x 50in Provenance: In the family of the present owner for at least three generations This painting depicts a scene from The Monastery by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Set in the Hall of Avenel Castle, it centres on the figure of Baron Julian Avenel, holding a goshawk. On the left is Catherine of Newport, his partner, and on the right is Christie of Clinthill, his chief henchman. Amongst the men in the background are Halbert Glendinning and the preacher Henry Warden, whom Christie is about to introduce to the Baron.