Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The lady is traditionally believed to be Mrs Margaretta Whitcombe (née Little). Margaretta married Samuel Whitcombe in Bristol on June 1779. A Mrs Whitcombe is listed in George Engleheart’s fee book for 1791.
The portrait dates to the middle years of Engleheart’s career when he painted with confidence and panache often using a limited colour palette. It is in excellent condition and resides in the original gold frame that is enclosed on the back with previous ownership labels affixed.
George Engleheart (1750-1829) ranks amongst the most talented of the artists that were working during the Georgian heyday of portrait miniature painting. During his career he painted a total of 4,853 portrait miniatures with 1788 being his busiest year with 228 completed commissions.
Framed Size: 68 x 52mm
Provenance: Frederick Alexander Szarvasy (1875-1948) - Christie's, 1948 ; Mrs Kehoe, Saltdean - Sotheby's, 1950 ; Edward Grosvenor Paine - Christie's, 1979
Literature: G.C. Williamson, George Engleheart 1750-1829, Miniature Painter to George III (1902), p.118
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
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George Engleheart, Portrait Miniature with Provenance
