The Dahlia

Executed in pencil with watercolour highlights, this charming portrait depicts Lloyd Jones when he was just 1 year and 2 weeks old. Wearing a frilly dress and little shoes with straps, he sits clutching a red dahlia, his other hand resting on what to him must have seemed a ginormous book!

The portrait is signed Ainsworth and further inscribed on the reverse ‘Hamilton Terrace / November 3rd 1845’. It is in fine bright condition and is presented in a bird’s eye maple veneer frame with a gilt slip. The frame has at some point been cut to size from a larger period frame so, although perfectly stable, the corners are not tightly mitred.

Little is known about the artist though he is listed as having exhibited three paintings at the Royal Academy.