Painted in oils on metal, the early nineteenth century portrait miniature showing a dashing young to middle aged gentleman in typical high-born Regency attire wearing a cravat and dark thick buttoned overcoat surviving from the first quarter of nineteenth century England.
Unknown.
The practice of making miniature portraits began as a way for monarchs and other members of the court to produce likenessess which could be given away, mostly for diplomatic purposes. Less costly than full portraits and much more portable, they were imminently practical in an age without photography. They soon became treasured as precious objects, however, and put in opulent settings of gold, pearls and ivory. Miniatures’ popularity peaked at about 1830 and then declined quickly with the advent of photography. The caliber of the artwork on them is no less superb than on larger works of art, and today they are museum pieces and heirlooms.
A beautifully original slice of portable Regency portraiture.
The painting benefits from being presented framed in its original ebonised frame. The condition of the picture is sound with a small blemish to the face as photographed.
By appointment only.
