Two paintings by Benjamin Zobel found in Lymington

Charles Wallrock had suspected they were by the artist whose works are displayed around the world including at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. 

Zobel created his paintings using coloured sand and the two examples are now on sale at a price of £22,500. 

One is a scene from the Battle of Hastings with William the Conqueror raising his sword, and the second is of Richard the Lionheart in combat against Saladin. 

Painting by Benjamin Zobel

Charles Wallrock of Wick Antiques in Lymington said: “These are world class; they are really exceptional examples of Zobel’s unusual work. 

“Sand painting – or marmotinto – was hugely popular in his time and Zobel gained his skills from his early career as a pastry chef. 

“Zobel also decorated with coloured sugar the huge tarts and puddings served at banquets held by George III. 

“On the suggestion of the monarch, he began to create permanent designs and pictures using coloured sand. 

Painting by Benjamin Zobel

“The ancient Japanese skill of bonkei or ‘tray picture’ was known about, but Zobel invented the sand painting technique. 

“His ability to portray texture, colour and depth of field is quite extraordinary. When I saw these for sale, I suspected they might be his work. 

“They are fairly big paintings and there must be millions of grains of sand all arranged with unbelievable precision. 

“On having them cleaned from all the nicotine there could be no doubt they were by Zobel and they will be displayed at the Masterpiece Fair in London where I expect they will turn heads. 

“We have many outstanding items relating to royalty and these sand paintings really do add colour and great drama. 

“There are collectors of Zobel’s work who these will appeal to.”