Edward Miles

after Sir Joshua Reynolds, wearing a white dress and fichu, with a blue sash and neck-bow, a blue ribbon entwined in her hair, silver-gilt and enamel frame

Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 23 July 1979, lot 233

Ivory ground There has been some fading to this miniature. The background has notably lightened. This area has also been subject to very light spotted staining which has been toned down by judicious scratching of the surface. The opaque enamel is very slightly pitted and has suffered very fillet chips.
"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."

Frances (Fanny) Kemble was the daughter of the actor and theatre manager Roger Kemble and sister of the great thespians John Philip Kemble and Sarah Siddons. Although Frances pursued a career on stage it was less illustrious than those of her siblings, critics bemoaning her diffidence and lack of dramatic expression. Her days of treading the boards came to an end in May 1786 when she married Francis Twiss, a concordance compiler. Sarah Siddons commented 'I thank God she is off the stage'.

In 1807 Mrs Twiss established a parlour-borders school for girls in Bath. The prospectus noted that the establishment, located at 24 Camden Place, paid the 'utmost attention to morals, conduct and manners'.

This miniature is based on a portrait by Reynolds, which was exhibited, as 'Portrait of a Lady', at the Royal Academy in 1784, no.183 (Mannings 2000, cat. no. 1027, fig. 1414). Horace Walpole judged the portrait 'good and very simple'.