English Miniature Portrait Ivory Signed Samuel Cotes, 1769

Signed S.C. 1769...Miniature portrait of a gentleman. Approx. 1 1/2 by 1 3/4 inches. Gentleman dressed in black robes and a powdered wigs. Either a clergyman or perhaps a magistrate. Framed in a locket type with beautiful engraving. Heavy glass over the portrait.

Samuel Cotes was born in London in 1734. He was the younger son of the Mayor of Galway. Was taught to paint by his older brother Francis who was not a Miniaturist. He exhibited at the Royal Academy 1769-1789. Many examples of his work are at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Cotes is a well listed Artist with Auction prices into the thousands. I do guarantee the authenticity of this portrait. Due to construction...I have not examined it outside of its frame. I see strong colors and no chips or cracks to the piece