Mr Lacon

This pastel portrait of a Mr Lacon in a tan frock-coat, matching waistcoat and pigtail wig with buckles is a paper cut-out laid on a black silk background. This unusual technique was practised by the itinerant artist Lucas Bateman (1752-1790) who used a camera obscura known as the Royal Accurate Delineator when creating his profiles. In addition to his art, Lucas was also a wine merchant and organised exhibitions of stained glass.

Having come direct from the Lacon Family, the sitter is most likely to be Sir Edmund Edward Lacon (1750-1820) of Great Yarmouth. He married Elizabeth Knowles in 1779 and by her had a son. Following her untimely death, he then married Sarah Mortlock and by her had two further sons and four daughters.

Dating to around 1780 and in fine condition, the portrait is set in a period turned pearwood frame. The backing board is faintly inscribed LACON.