Richard Cosway R.A.

her brown hair tied with a mustard-coloured ribbon decorated with pearls, wearing a white dress, with a red shawl, holding an urn, gilt-metal slide frame

The colours of this miniature are very fresh. The ivory has at some point been cropped, which has resulted in the loss of a small amount of the artist's monogram. Overall the condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Dating from circa 1770 this miniature is typical of the artist's early style and it is interesting to note the use of strong colours which distinguishes it from his later work. The existence of the Portrait of Mary Russell, later Mrs Domvile, which dates from 1787 and also shows the sitter holding an urn, illustrates that although his technique changed over time Cosway continued to be interested in the classical as a theme for his miniatures (see Stephen Lloyd, Richard & Maria Cosway, 1995, cat. no. 63, pl. 59).