During the 18th century punitive taxes were imposed on Continental silks, brocades and laces in order to protect English textile producers. Smuggling was rife though with many travelling to Paris expressly to buy new clothes despite the penalties; if caught, the new clothes would be burned.This prosperous-looking gentleman has a beautifully embroidered waistcoat which is offset by his striking crimson coat. His wig with its tightly rolled ‘buckles’ is tied en queue with black ribbon.Having retained its exceptionally fresh colours, the portrait is set in the original gold bracelet-style frame.A native of Devonshire, Richard Crosse (1742-1810) was born deaf and dumb, as was one of his sisters. He began painting miniatures as a hobby and in 1758 won a prize at the Society of Arts that inspired him to study art. He became a successful artist and built up a distinguished clientele that included royalty. He fell in love with his cousin, Miss Cobley, but she did not reciprocate a...