William Naish Miniature Portrait c1797
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1800: Item # 1345461
Please refer to our stock # a1540 when inquiring.
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A beautifully painted portrait miniature by William Naish, done in watercolor on natural wafer. The sitter is a nice-looking gentleman with brown eyes and powdered hair with a pigtail. He is attired in a blue jacket, a white ruffled shirt, an elaborately tied white scarf, all highlighted with a slash of brilliant red. The case is copper, of very high quality, of the type with side pins holding together the front and back. The reverse of the case has a glazed aperture containing a plait of hair.
The condition of the miniature is superb, with bright colors, and no chips, cracks, bowing, or restoration. The case also is in excellent condition, with no flaws. Sight size of the painting is 2 5/8" by 2", and the overall size is 2 13/16" by 2 1/4".
NOTES: 1. William Naish (1766/1767-1800) was born in Somerset, England. He entered the Royal Academy schools in 1788. Working in London, he had a large practice and had many clients in the theater. he exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1786 until his death is late 1800. It was not until later in his short life and after his death that his work was lauded for the fine quality it displayed. The V and A, the British Museum, and other museums worldwide have examples of his painting.
2. Although unsigned, there is little question that this miniature is the work of Naish as it displays virtually all the characteristics used to identify his pieces. These include a technique of "wiping" . or scraping, certain small areas of the face in order to replicate the effect of natural light reflecting off those areas. This "wiping" appears as small whitish circles or ovals at the inside corners of the eyes, the tip of the nose, and the indent above the upper lip. Further clues to the identity of the artist are the blue tones used under the eyes, and the distinctive way Naish painted the curve of the mouth.
