Diya James - Hiding in Candlelight
05
days
14
hours
49
minutes
53
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 138578 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Diya James from the United Kingdom presents Hiding in Candlelight, an original oil on linen realist portrait measuring 70 × 60 cm, signed and in excellent condition, dating from 2020+, sold by an agent and depicting a solitary figure lit by candlelight.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Hiding in Candlelight is an evocative portrait sketch that explores the transformative effects of artificial light through a painterly approach inspired by John Singer Sargent. Completed in just two hours, the work depicts a solitary figure illuminated solely by the glow of three candles, creating a rich atmosphere of intimacy and quiet mystery.
Rather than pursuing meticulous finish, Diya James concentrates on the relationship between light, colour and mood. The warm candlelight dissolves into deep surrounding shadows, allowing the face and exposed shoulders to emerge gradually from darkness. Loose yet confident brushwork reinforces the immediacy of the painting while preserving the fleeting quality of the moment.
The painting demonstrates the artist's understanding that visual impact often depends less upon detail than upon the orchestration of light and tonal harmony.
Executed in oil on linen.
60 × 70 cm.
Painted from life in approximately two hours using only candlelight as illumination.
The work is offered rolled, allowing collectors the opportunity to frame and stretch the canvas according to their own preferences.
International shipments may be subject to customs duties and import taxes, which are determined by local authorities and are the responsibility of the buyer.
⸻
About the artist:
Diya James is a contemporary realist portrait painter and draughtsman whose practice is rooted in the traditions of classical atelier training. Educated at the renowned Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, James developed a rigorous approach to painting directly from life, specialising in portraiture executed at life scale.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of classical sculpture and the dramatic naturalism of Baroque painting, James combines technical precision with a sensitive psychological approach to representation. His work explores the timeless relationship between artist and sitter, balancing disciplined observation with an intimate understanding of character and presence.
Alongside his personal practice, James teaches portrait painting, continuing the atelier tradition of passing technical knowledge from one generation of artists to the next. He also undertakes private portrait commissions, producing works distinguished by their quiet realism, refined craftsmanship and enduring sense of humanity.
Diya James is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements.
⸻
Havisham & Co.
Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms.
Instagram: @havishamco
Website: www.havishamco.com
Email: info@havishamco.com
Seller's Story
Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth. Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth.
Instagram: havishamco
Hiding in Candlelight is an evocative portrait sketch that explores the transformative effects of artificial light through a painterly approach inspired by John Singer Sargent. Completed in just two hours, the work depicts a solitary figure illuminated solely by the glow of three candles, creating a rich atmosphere of intimacy and quiet mystery.
Rather than pursuing meticulous finish, Diya James concentrates on the relationship between light, colour and mood. The warm candlelight dissolves into deep surrounding shadows, allowing the face and exposed shoulders to emerge gradually from darkness. Loose yet confident brushwork reinforces the immediacy of the painting while preserving the fleeting quality of the moment.
The painting demonstrates the artist's understanding that visual impact often depends less upon detail than upon the orchestration of light and tonal harmony.
Executed in oil on linen.
60 × 70 cm.
Painted from life in approximately two hours using only candlelight as illumination.
The work is offered rolled, allowing collectors the opportunity to frame and stretch the canvas according to their own preferences.
International shipments may be subject to customs duties and import taxes, which are determined by local authorities and are the responsibility of the buyer.
⸻
About the artist:
Diya James is a contemporary realist portrait painter and draughtsman whose practice is rooted in the traditions of classical atelier training. Educated at the renowned Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, James developed a rigorous approach to painting directly from life, specialising in portraiture executed at life scale.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of classical sculpture and the dramatic naturalism of Baroque painting, James combines technical precision with a sensitive psychological approach to representation. His work explores the timeless relationship between artist and sitter, balancing disciplined observation with an intimate understanding of character and presence.
Alongside his personal practice, James teaches portrait painting, continuing the atelier tradition of passing technical knowledge from one generation of artists to the next. He also undertakes private portrait commissions, producing works distinguished by their quiet realism, refined craftsmanship and enduring sense of humanity.
Diya James is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements.
⸻
Havisham & Co.
Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms.
Instagram: @havishamco
Website: www.havishamco.com
Email: info@havishamco.com
Seller's Story
Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth. Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth.
Instagram: havishamco
Details
Artist
Diya James
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Agent
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Hiding in Candlelight
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
70 cm
Width
60 cm
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Realism
Period
2020+
Sold by
