Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Portrait Miniature to the Regency era.
Painted during the 1790s, the portrait resides in the original gold frame that is glazed reverse to reveal brown hair.
William Wood kept a detailed fee book listing his commissions and detailing the sitter’s profession and/or address alongside coded references to the paint pigments used, the date the portrait was completed and occasionally a preliminary tracing of the portrait. Robert Clarke is indeed listed (ref. 473) but, as the ledgers are currently under conservation at the V&A, it has not been possible to trace his full record. Without further clues it has in turn proved impossible (for now) to trace Robert Clarke’s heritage.
William was the youngest of three children born to William Wood Sen. and his wife Bithiah (née Townsend). He was just sixteen when he entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1785. His ledgers show he attracted a steady and well-heeled clientele but his flourishing career was cut short by his early death at the age of forty one. Wood’s distinctive portraits display character and honesty and as such are critically well acclaimed.
Framed Size: 85 x 60mm
Provenance: Christie’s 9 July 1986 ; Private Collection
Ivory Exemption Ref.: GUXYMJTL
Wigs on the Green has dated this Georgian Portrait Miniature to the Regency era.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
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William Wood Miniature Portrait of Robert Clarke
