Portrait miniature of an Officer of a British infantry regiment, previously called Captain Howe Hadfield (1729-1814) [1]; dated 1801

Object Description

Although the identity of the sitter in this miniature is in doubt, the hand of William Grimaldi is unmistakable here. Signed and dated 1801, the work showcases Grimaldi’s distinctive loose and watery brushwork. As Marquess Grimaldi, William was a scion of esteemed Genoese nobility. He was the great-grandson of Alessandro Maria Grimaldi, the heir and representative of the Genoese family of Grimaldi, who sought refuge in England after Genoa’s 1684 bombardment.

Grimaldi’s painting career took shape under the apprenticeship of his uncle, English painter and etcher Thomas Worlidge. Seven years of apprenticeship under his uncle culminated in his pivotal role in the publication of Worlidge’s Antique Gems in 1768. Unfortunately, his uncle died that same year which marked the start of Grimaldi’s independent artistic career.

Grimaldi very quickly gained prominence in miniature painting, almost always painting in watercolour, and travelling all over Britain. He also had an affinity for enamel painting, writing essays on the medium, although his enamels are extremely rare. In 1777, Grimaldi ventured to Paris for five years. Upon his return to England, his oeuvre caught the attention of Sir Joshua Reynolds, granting Grimaldi unparalleled access to Reynold’s studio and clientele. Reynold’s endorsements proved instrumental, leading to commissioned from royalty such as Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. Notably, he presented a miniature of the Prince to Princess Frederica Charlotte of Prussia on their wedding day. Not long after, he was appointed enamel painter to the Duke of York in 1790, to the Duchess of York in 1791, and the Prince of Wales in 1804. Grimaldi’s artistic prowess found another stage at the Royal Academy, where he exhibited regularly from 1768 to 1824. It was during this period that he started to work with his wife, Frances, daughter of Louis Barker of Rochester. Together, they were pioneers of the interactive book, with William designing a “lift the flap” book, showcasing the couple’s avant-garde spirit in both art and literature.

[1] With thanks to Stephen Wood for helping with the identity of the officer in this miniature. The British infantry regiment is distinguished by having black facings and gold lace/embroidery on its officers’ coats, of the period c.1796-1815. He is shown wearing two epaulettes, which may mean that he was an officer of a flank company, especially since there may be a bugle-horn – the symbol of Light Infantry – visible on the strap of his right epaulette.

Object History

Provenance: Private Collection, UK (since 1997).

Object Details