RICHARD CROSSE

Richard Crosse was born deaf and non-verbal, and is said to have first taken up miniature painting as a hobby. This hobby soon developed into a career, during which he became Enamel Painter to King George III. The present work, which dates stylistically to the 1780s, represents his ability to depict fine details in the hair and skin of his sitters. It is also reminiscent of the Crosse’s self-portrait, painted in the same decade, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (P.147-1929).

The frame in which this miniature is housed demonstrates many of the popular decorative features used in the late eighteenth century. Split pearls, coloured glass, and hair work all turned miniatures into wearable accessories, as well as lifelike depictions. It is likely that the owner of this miniature would have worn it on a chain or a ribbon, looped through the fausse montre top.