In some satirical and grotesque manner, Stephanoff undeniably displays his superb technical ability, quality and finesse, capturing the moment of the obvious dispute between two men.

STEPHANOFF, FRANCIS PHILIP (1790–1860), painter, was born in Brompton Row, London, about 1790. His father, Fileter N. Stephanoff, was a Russian who settled in England and found employment in painting ceilings, stage scenery, etc .. Francis became a popular painter of historical and domestic subjects, working both in oils and watercolours. He exhibited largely at the Royal Academy and British Institution from 1807 to 1845, also with the ‘Old Watercolour’ Society from 1815 to 1820. His best works were: ‘The Trial of Algernon Sidney,’ ‘Cranmer revoking his Recantation,’ ‘Poor Relations,’ and ‘The Reconciliation,’ which were well engraved. For Sir George Nayler’s sumptuous work on the coronation of George IV he drew in watercolours a series of costume portraits, which is now in the South Kensington Museum. At the Westminster Hall competition in 1843 Stephanoff gained a prize for a scene from Milton’s ‘Comus’. Stephanoff died at West Hanham, near Bristol, on 15 May 1860