Abraham Daniel
Portrait miniature of a ‘Mr Gardner’, wearing double-breasted black coat, frilled white chemise and cravat, his hair powdered, late 18th century
Watercolour on ivory
Oval, 2 13/16 inches, 72mm high
Philip Mould & Co.
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com Abraham Daniel worked predominantly in Bath and Plymouth and is considered to be among the best portrait miniaturists working in...
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com
Abraham Daniel worked predominantly in Bath and Plymouth and is considered to be among the best portrait miniaturists working in eighteenth century England.
The life and work of Abraham has been somewhat confused in the past with that of his brother Joseph. There are at present no known signed works by Joseph, however we do know through his obituary that he was a well-reputed miniature painter who worked in both Bristol and Bath, and he also exhibited on a few occasions in London at both the Society of Artists in 1783 (a ‘Jew Rabbi’) and the Royal Academy in 1799 (‘five portrait miniatures’). Until any signed examples of Joseph’s work emerge, it is impossible to comment on similarities and judge whether there is actually a warrant for a confusion of styles, especially given that the one signed work by Abraham - a drawing of c.1790 showing Rabbi Moses Ephraim of Plymouth stylistically allows a very satisfying comparison with a number of works previously considered to be by Joseph.
Despite its scale, the present work is surprisingly painterly with flowing brushstrokes and deep colouring achieved through the addition of gum to the paint. The eyes are also emphasised and alert, no doubt an influence from Cosway who had a preference for larger, more romantic-looking eyes.
Abraham Daniel worked predominantly in Bath and Plymouth and is considered to be among the best portrait miniaturists working in eighteenth century England.
The life and work of Abraham has been somewhat confused in the past with that of his brother Joseph. There are at present no known signed works by Joseph, however we do know through his obituary that he was a well-reputed miniature painter who worked in both Bristol and Bath, and he also exhibited on a few occasions in London at both the Society of Artists in 1783 (a ‘Jew Rabbi’) and the Royal Academy in 1799 (‘five portrait miniatures’). Until any signed examples of Joseph’s work emerge, it is impossible to comment on similarities and judge whether there is actually a warrant for a confusion of styles, especially given that the one signed work by Abraham - a drawing of c.1790 showing Rabbi Moses Ephraim of Plymouth stylistically allows a very satisfying comparison with a number of works previously considered to be by Joseph.
Despite its scale, the present work is surprisingly painterly with flowing brushstrokes and deep colouring achieved through the addition of gum to the paint. The eyes are also emphasised and alert, no doubt an influence from Cosway who had a preference for larger, more romantic-looking eyes.