Late 19th Century Miniature Watercolour - Portrait of a Victorian Gentleman

Description

An exquisite miniature of an elderly Victorian gentleman. The sitter is dressed in a fine suit, with a polka dot cravat, top hat and white gloves. His fashionable 'mutton-chop' beard suggests that he is a man of some status, and allows us to date the work to the mid/latter part of the 19th century. This well-executed watercolour has wonderfully captured the slightly stern expression of the unknown gentleman, with intricate brushstrokes and delicate detail. The art of miniature painting did slightly fall out of fashion during the Victorian era, with the invention of photography, however the practice was continued into the early 20th century. Well presented in an oval mount and wooden frame and gilt detail. Unsigned. On wove.

Condition

Overall the condition is very good for a picture of this age. Very minor areas of discolouration. With a spot or two of foxing visible on the mount. The frame is in very good condition, and doesn't appear to be the original frame.

Size

11 x 6.8cm (4.3" x 2.7")
Framed Size: 23.7 x 19.3cm (9.3" x 7.6")

Collection Information

Miniatures were first painted to illustrate hand-written books. Used by Kings, Queens and the aristocracy, miniatures were small enough to be given personally, as a sign of the monarch's favour. In the 17th century ivory replaced vellum as the preferred substrate for miniature painting, allowing the artworks to shrink in size dramatically. This was probably because of the difficulty of using watercolour on ivory. Miniature painting quickly became an established genteel pastime for young ladies, and until the 1760s most miniaturists had no professional training. Queen Victoria's miniaturist, Sir William Charles Ross, was the last great miniature painter, mainly due to the invention of photography in 1839.