The old saying goes that success is the best revenge.  John Stevens Dews failed his ‘A’ level art. (For the non-British, including myself, the ‘A’ level is a public examination in a subject taken for the General Certificate of Education (GCE), usually at the age of 17-18.)   Perhaps the examiners should be examined. Dews, who was told as a youth that fame usually comes only after an artist has died, is now one of Britain’s most sought-after living marine artists.  Dews painting, “The Battle of Trafalgar – H.M.S. Victory breaking the enemy line and raking the stern of the French flagship as she goes through” is the star of the September 26th Marine auction at Bonhams in London.  The painting is expected to fetch between £100,000 – 150,000, or €130,000 – 190,000 or US$ 160,000 – 240,000.  Thanks to Alaric Bond for passing along the news.

Battle of Trafalgar masterpiece by artist who failed “A level” art for sale at Bonhams