Item Ref. 2982

HUGH ROSS, (1800-1873)

An engaging portrait of Elizabeth Dent as a young child with blue eyes and a rosy complexion. She is wearing a traditional white dress with a frilled neckline and sashed waist. The painting is inscribed on the reverse with the sitter's details and signed: Painted by H. Ross / London.

Elizabeth was the only daughter of William Dent who established a prominent merchant shipping company in the Far East at the end of the 18th century. Elizabeth's three brothers took over the running of Dent's in the 1820s when the company was thriving. By 1867, however, the economic recession forced Dent's into liquidation.

Watercolour on ivory, set in the original travelling case with a gilt metal mount. Excellent condition.

Portrait: oval, 13/4 x 11/2" (46 x 38mm)
Provenance: By family descent.

Price: £1,050

Hugh Ross's parents were both miniature painters so it was perhaps not unexpected that he, his older brother William and his sister Magdalena all became successful miniaturists. Hugh Ross exhibited at the Royal Academy 1814-1845 and was awarded several prizes by the Society of Arts.