Buckles & Buttons

Depicted wearing a coat with large buttons and a powdered wig with a queue and rolled curls known as buckles, this gentleman’s portrait can be dated to the mid 1780s. This was a busy period for George Engleheart with around 200 completed portraits each year and commissions from many prominent families. Although unnamed, this gentleman with his aristocratic air would have been one such commission professionally executed by the artist with deliberation and care.

The portrait is attractively presented in its original frame, the reverse glazed to show neatly plaited brown hair.

Recognised as one of the top miniaturists of his day, George Engleheart (1750-1829) was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, John Smart and William Wood. He trained first under George Barret R.A. and then Sir Joshua Reynolds before establishing his own studio in 1773.

Ivory Exemption Ref.: JP3823UX