Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Apart from a couple of short scratches to the glass, the miniature is in fine condition.
Writing in 'The Connoisseur' in 1907, Dr George Williamson described the artist John Donaldson as ‘surely one of the oddest painters that ever lived’. From humble beginnings (his father made gloves) Donaldson drifted from painting china into portraiture winning early recognition and important prizes from the Society of Arts. After only a few years, however, he developed a fascination for chemistry and wasted his money on failed experiments. He also published a volume of poetry that flopped. Indeed, ‘his eccentricities were most extraordinary’ and his politics most radical that he ‘made enemies in all directions’ and ‘gradually sank into deep poverty’.
And yet this well-painted portrait is testament to a talent that, if only he hadn’t mixed business with politics but had concentrated his efforts in this direction only, would surely have guaranteed him a steady clientele and given him an excellent living.
Framed Size: 77 x 65mm
Provenance: Private UK Collection
APHA Registration: TPCV9L8G
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 John Donaldson
