Richard Cosway original late 18th century miniature portrait of the beautiful Countess of Middlesex, signed ' Richard Cosway 1780' on the lower blue ledge shown in painting. The style, execution and superb quality of this magnificent portrait leads me to believe this is an original period Cosway miniature. The Countess is shown in a powdered wig and plumed hat. She wears a beautifully draped gown holding a rose and floral nosegay. The exquisitely detailed portrait on ivory measures almost 3 & 1/2" high and is framed in a heavy bronze ormolu period 18th century frame with French bowed ribbon. Richard Cosway was the leading portrait miniaturist of the Regency era. His success lay in his ability to enhance the beauty and elegance of all of his sitters. He painted his first portrait of George IV in 1780 and was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1785. Cosway enjoyed continuous patronage from the Prince. As these miniatures were often exhibited and engraved, Cosway had considerable influence over the official image of the Prince. Cosway exhibited his first miniatures in London in 1762 and was quickly in demand in fashionable circles. He married the Anglo-Italian artist Maria Hadfield in 1781 and together they much influenced London's fashionable elite and the art world. He painted many European Royals outside the British court including Madam du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV of France. Richard Cosway (1742-1821), Miniature painter Sitter in 12 portraits | Artist associated with 79 portraits Richard Cosway was the leading portrait miniaturist of the Regency era. His success was lay in an ability to enhance the beauty and elegance of all of his sitters. He painted his first portrait of George IV in 1780 and was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1785. Cosway enjoyed continuous patronage from the Prince. As these miniatures were often exhibited and engraved, Cosway had considerable influence over the official image of the Prince. Cosway exhibited his first miniatures in London in 1762 and was quickly in demand in fashionable circles. He married the Anglo-Italian artist Maria Hadfield in 1781 and together they much influenced London's fashionable elite and the art world. In 1995 to 1996, the National Portrait Gallery in London held an exhibition entitled Richard and Maria Cosway: Regency Artists of Taste and Fashion, with 250 works on display. Condition: Excellent, no damage |
