John Smart
Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, wearing a pink silk frock with lilac lining trimmed with gold, a blue waistcoat embroidered with gold and a black silk solitaire ribbon tied at the back of his powdered wig, 1767
Watercolour on ivory
Oval, 32mm (1 ¼ in.) high
Philip Mould & Co.
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com This is a particularly fine example of Smart’s work during his formative years. As the portrait is exceptionally well preserved it...
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com
This is a particularly fine example of Smart’s work during his formative years. As the portrait is exceptionally well preserved it is possible to comprehend the remarkable observational skills of the artist, who was in his mid-twenties at this date. The sitter’s lively expression is made all the more real by the hint of a 5 o’clock shadow and double chin. A rumpled lilac silk interior to the fine gold, brocade-edged, pink coat has been so carefully drawn that it is possible to see the stitching running down the outer edge. With such capabilities already evident it is clear to see why Smart enjoyed success early in his career.
Provenance
Karin Henninger-Tavcar, 1990;Private Collection, Germany.