Richard Cosway Miniature Portrait c1790

This portrait is a good study example as many of Cosway's techniques and style characteristics are present: use of floating transparent paints to allow the luminosity of the substrate to show through, enlargement of the pupils, massed hair as opposed to finer individual strands, a sky background using a strong transparent blue, and gray strokes to delineate the face structure.

Cosway did not sign all of his miniatures, and when a signature is present it is almost always on the back. Such is the case here, and the signature does appear consistent with other examples, although I am by no means a forensic handwriting analyst.

Excellent condition, and in a 2 1/4" by 2" gilt metal case. The photos in this listing are "washed out" and the colors in the actual miniature are much stronger and brighter.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES: Richard Cosway (1742 - 1821) was a leading English artist and considered the most fashionable miniaturist of his day. He was a contemporary of John Smart, George Engleheart, and Richard Crosse.

Cosway travelled to London to study painting and by the age of 13 won a prize from the Society of Artists He exhibited his first works in 1762 and was soon in demand. In 1770 he was one of the first group of associate members of the Royal Academy, and, with the backing of the academy's president, Sir Joshua Reynolds, was elected a full member in 1771. He exhibited there from 1770 to 1806. Cosway painted the future King George IV in 1780 and was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1785. His subjects included Madame du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV of France, and his pupils included Andrew Plimer.

Cosway's works are highly sought after, and examples are in many museums, such as the V & A, the Fitzwilliam, the Met, and the British Museum.