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Senor Don Sancho Panza Governor of Barataria By Ball Hughes, 1853 Pokerwork on framed wood panel, frame inside 9 in. tall by 6-1/4 in. wide frame outside 10 in. tall by 7-3/8 in. wide Gift of Douglas Schneible to the E-Museum

Senor Don Sancho Panza Governor of Barataria, verso By Ball Hughes, 1853 Inscription, verso, reads: Ball Hughes. To his Dear Daughter G_____y [Gussty?] ______ 16. 1853. Pokerwork on framed wood panel, frame inside 9 in. tall by 6-1/4 in. wide frame outside 10 in. tall by 7-3/8 in. wide Gift of Douglas Schneible to the E-Museum

We know the title of this small work of a pensive Sancho Panza by Ball Hughes only because there is another like it in the Boston Historical Society and Museum–Senor Don Sancho Panza Governor of Barataria. Unlike that one, the one displayed here bears no inscription on the recto. The figure of Sancho Panza appears the same size as the other one; however, the other is a slightly larger panel (with the lines of inscription below the figure) and has a wider frame. That frame, however, is unlikely original because it completely covers the back of the panel thereby making it impossible to see any signature, date, or dedication that may have been inscribed on the verso; whereas, this one, which is narrower with a distinctive black border, is much more likely original.

The artist Robert Ball Hughes was born January 19, 1804, in London, England, U.K., and died March 5, 1868, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Ball Hughes, as he signed his name on many of his works, i.e., without his first name Robert, was not only a pyrographic artist but an eminent English sculptor and engraver who studied at the Royal Academy.

The provenance of this small panel is not entirely known at this time; however, it appears to be dedicated to Ball Hughes' daughter. The name written in the inscription, verso, is almost illegible but appears to begin with a G. That would suggest it may have been a gift to his older daughter Georgina, but that name or even a nickname of it is not readily decipherable. His younger daughter's name was Augusta. The thinking now is that perhaps what is written there is Gussty, a nickname for Augusta.

With immense gratitude, the E-Museum of Pyrographic Art acknowledges Douglas Schneible for his very generous gift of this 1853 panel by Ball Hughes entitled Senor Don Sancho Panza Governor of Barataria.

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If you have any questions or any additional information to offer about Ball Hughes or this panel, please e-mail the E-Museum Curator.

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