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ID #SA838846
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Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer
Sold by Wigs on the Green
sold SA838846
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Wigs on the Green

Wigs on the Green

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2020
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    Small portraiture of character & historical interest
Id #SA838846
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Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer

18th century
Sold 25 November 2024 · Wigs on the Green
This “Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer” found a buyer.

It was listed by Wigs on the Green. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

This portrait of a gentleman with powdered hair and thick quizzically raised eyebrows over almond-shaped eyes is in the distinctive hand of Nathaniel Plimer. His details are not known though it’s possible his name may be found within the unopened frame.

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There is some dust caught under the glass but otherwise the portrait is in fine condition. It is set in the original gold frame that is glazed on the reverse to show a lock of brown hair tied with seed pearls (one pearl is dislodged) laid on foiled opalescent glass within an aperture with a blue glass surround.

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Nathaniel Plimer (1757-1822) was the eldest son of a Shropshire clockmaker, a trade he and his brother were expected to assume to. Instead the two boys chose to run away, reaching London in 1781 where Nathaniel initially worked for the enamellist Henry Bone and took painting lessons alongside his brother with Richard Cosway. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1787. Plimer is said to have been ‘a man of the most violent and ungovernable temper, giving way at times to terrible outbursts of violence’ (Williamson 1903).

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Framed Size: 70 x 61mm + bail

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International Shipping: £20

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Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Miniature Portrait Painting to the Georgian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA838846
Dealers Internal Reference
7126
Dealers Notes

All prices include UK postage. International shipping will be at cost.

Description
This portrait of a gentleman with powdered hair and thick quizzically raised eyebrows over almond-shaped eyes is in the distinctive hand of Nathaniel Plimer. His details are not known though it’s possible his name may be found within the unopened frame.
fig 1. An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame.
fig 1. Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer

There is some dust caught under the glass but otherwise the portrait is in fine condition. It is set in the original gold frame that is glazed on the reverse to show a lock of brown hair tied with seed pearls (one pearl is dislodged) laid on foiled opalescent glass within an aperture with a blue glass surround.

“
Nathaniel Plimer (1757-1822) was the eldest son of a Shropshire clockmaker, a trade he and his brother were expected to assume to.
Wigs on the Green

Instead the two boys chose to run away, reaching London in 1781 where Nathaniel initially worked for the enamellist Henry Bone and took painting lessons alongside his brother with Richard Cosway. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1787. Plimer is said to have been ‘a man of the most violent and ungovernable temper, giving way at times to terrible outbursts of violence’ (Williamson 1903).

Framed Size: 70 x 61mm + bail

International Shipping: £20

Date of Manufacture

Wigs on the Green has dated this Miniature Portrait Painting to the Georgian era.

Height
6cm (2.36")
Width
6cm (2.36")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA838846
Dealers Internal Ref
7126
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2020

Small portraiture of character & historical interest

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page

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An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 4
Archive I An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer

Archive II An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame. View II
Archive III An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame. View III
Archive IV An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame. View IV
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07962 257915
Location
York
Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2020
Items For Sale 83
Items Sold 319
Wigs on the Green
Wigs on the Green
Verified Since May 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2020
For Sale
83
Sold
319
An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame.
Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman by Nathaniel Plimer
Ref: SA838846
An oval antique miniature watercolour painting of a gentleman with short curly hair, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, set within a polished metal frame.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMiniature Art
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialIvory, Watercolour, Gold, Glass
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsOval format, Detailed brushwork, Period attire
  • SizeH 6 cm (2 in) x W 6 cm (2 in)

Portrait miniatures gained immense popularity during the 18th and early 19th centuries as intimate tokens of affection, often worn as jewellery or kept in protective cases.

These pieces were typically hand-painted in watercolour or gouache on thin slices of ivory, vellum, or card, and housed in metal frames often featuring gold or glass.

Authenticity is assessed by examining the brushwork under magnification, the material of the substrate, the framing construction, and any accompanying artist signatures or historical documentation.

These small-scale artworks can be displayed grouped together on a gallery wall, placed on a miniature easel on a mantelpiece, or integrated into a curated cabinet of curiosities.

To prevent fading and deterioration, miniatures should be kept away from direct sunlight, maintained in stable humidity conditions, and handled with care to protect fragile painted surfaces.
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