Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
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 and married elsewhere, the disappointment reportedly turning him into a misanthrope. Due to his disability Crosse painted with heightened sensitivity to his sitter’s character to create meticulously rendered portraits.
Framed Size: 35 x 30mm
APHA Registration: M7NQCN6Y
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
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Richard Crosse, Portrait of a Prosperous Gentleman
