William Wood Miniature Portrait of a Gentleman c 1790
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1800: Item # 1360482
Please refer to our stock # a1556 when inquiring.
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Painted in watercolor on organic material, this fine example of Wood's work depicts an older man with blue eyes and pigtailed hair dressed in a black jacket with gold buttons, and a white vest and stock. Housed in its original case, with the glazed reverse having fancy hairwork over a on a white glass backing.
The painting is in excellent condition, with no cracks, bowing, or paint loss. the white area to the right of the sitter's head is intentionally done that way, and is not uncommon in some of Wood's work. The case is in good condition, with the hair work being disturbed, and some tight cracks in the white glass backing. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 1/4", and a case size of 3" by 2 1/2". This painting looks much finer in person than is shown in the photograph.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: William Wood (1769-1810), born in Suffolk, England, entered the Royal Academy Schools at the age of 16. In later years he exhibited at the Royal Academy. In 1807 he was one of the founders of the Associated Artists in Watercolour, and then became its president.
He was often undeservedly critical of his own work and was known to destroy pieces he did not consider good enough. His portraits are said to have an honesty about them, and are well drawn and expressive. Examples of his works are in the V&A Museum, the Ward Usher Museum, The Cleveland Museum, and the private collection of Queen Elizabeth II.
