Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Peter Paul was the younger son of the miniaturist, Bernard Lens III. Born around 1714, he led an eccentric life. As a prominent member of the notorious Dublin-based Blasters Club, he participated in gambling, duelling, whisky drinking, debauchery and pseudo-Satanic worship, the Club leader being dubbed the ‘King of Hell’.
He then married a lady named Elizabeth and in 1745 they had a son, Samuel Reubens. Peter Paul did not though mend his wicked ways as evidenced by the terms of his father’s will whereby he was bequeathed ‘One Shilling and no more’ as he had ‘for a long time past behaved himself with great Disrespect Disobedience and Undutifullness’ towards his parents.
In fine condition, the portrait is set in the original gold bracelet-style frame with the later addition of a brass clip for hanging.
Framed Size: 38 x 31mm + hanger
Provenance: Private UK Collection
APHA Registration: RG3X44GA
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
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Miniature Portrait by Peter Paul Lens
