Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
With a modest blush to her cheeks, her curled hair is swept up over ‘cushions’ or pads (these were often stuffed with horsehair) to add height. A blue ribbon has been woven through her hair with loose curls falling over her shoulder to soften the effect.
The miniature is signed HH / 1783. It is in fine condition and is housed in a modest gilt metal frame, the reverse inscribed and retaining the exhibition label of the Burlington Fine Arts Club.
Horace Hone (1754-1825) was taught how to paint by his father, Nathaniel, before attending the Royal Academy Schools. In October 1799 he married Sophia Ursula Dapper and in 1782 they settled in Dublin where Hone managed a fashionable studio. His career was boosted in 1795 when he was appointed Miniature Painter to the Prince of Wales (later George IV). In later years he returned to live in London but by then was suffering from poor mental health. He died suddenly in 1825 despite having recently recovered from a serious illness.
Framed Size: 69 x 57mm
Provenance: Ernest Renton, 1885 ; Charles Edward Lees Collection, Bonhams 1997 ; Private UK Collection
Exhibited: Burlington Fine Arts Club, 1889 (Case XXIX, no. 7, on loan from Charles E. Lees)
International Shipping: £20
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
Miniature Portrait by Horace Hone
