A Rare Group of Three Early Victorian Portrait Miniatures, Painted by Sir William Charles Ross (1794–1860), circa 1838 An exceptionally interesting group of three portrait miniatures, presented together in a decorative dark display frame, Painted by **Sir William Charles Ross (1794–1860)**, one of the most celebrated British portrait miniaturists of the 19th century and a distinguished painter associated with the court of Queen Victoria. The group comprises three individually framed portraits, including a gentleman traditionally identified as the young Prince Albert, a lady associated through an inscription with Queen Victoria's household, and a third portrait of an unidentified young woman. The miniatures are executed in watercolours on natural substrates and represent the refined tradition of British miniature portraiture during the early Victorian period. The Three Portraits **1. Portrait of a Lady – Mrs W. F. Hamilton, Maid of Honour to Queen Victoria** The first miniature depicts a young lady wearing an elegant pale dress with blue accents, her hair arranged in a fashionable style of the period. According to the previous collection documentation, an inscription on a card behind the backing reads: "Hon. M. F. F. Dillon, Mrs W. F. Hamilton, Maid of Honour to the Queen, 1838." An additional inscription on the reverse of the painting reportedly reads: "Painted by W. C. Ross, Miniaturist to the Queen, 1838." These inscriptions are of particular historical interest, suggesting a connection with the royal household during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign. **2. Portrait Traditionally Identified as the Young Prince Albert** The central and largest miniature depicts a young gentleman wearing a dark coat with a fur-trimmed collar, posed in a formal and dignified manner. The sitter has traditionally been identified as **Prince Albert (1819–1861)**, who became the husband of Queen Victoria in 1840. Sir William Charles Ross painted portraits of Prince Albert and other members of the British royal family, and examples of his royal portraiture are preserved in the Royal Collection. **3. Portrait of an Unidentified Young Lady** The third miniature depicts a young woman wearing a pale blue, off-the-shoulder dress, with her hair arranged beneath a light-coloured headpiece. She wears a dark necklace with a pendant. The sitter's identity remains unknown. The Artist – Sir William Charles Ross (1794–1860) Sir William Charles Ross was one of the leading British portrait miniaturists of the 19th century. He achieved particular distinction through his association with the British royal family, producing portraits of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and members of the royal household. Ross was admired for his delicate watercolour technique, refined modelling of facial features and ability to convey the individuality and social standing of his sitters. His work represents an important chapter in the history of British portrait miniature painting during the transition from the late Georgian period to the Victorian era. He was knighted in 1842 in recognition of his artistic achievements. Historical and Collecting Interest The group is of particular interest because of its connections with the early Victorian royal court, the recorded inscriptions referring to Queen Victoria's household, and the traditional identification of the central sitter as Prince Albert. The three portraits are presented together in a dark rectangular display frame, each within its own decorative surround. **Artist:** Sir William Charles Ross (1794–1860). **Date:** Circa 1838. **Period:** Early Victorian. **Origin:** Britain. **Style:** Portrait Miniatures, group of three. **Technique:** Watercolours on natural substrates. **Dimensions:** - First miniature: approximately 9.5 × 7.5 cm. - Central miniature: approximately 13 × 10.25 cm. - Third miniature: approximately 5 × 4 cm. **Presentation:** Three separately framed miniatures mounted together in a dark rectangular display frame. **Inscriptions:** The first miniature is reportedly accompanied by inscriptions identifying Mrs W. F. Hamilton and referring to W. C. Ross as Miniaturist to the Queen, dated 1838. **Provenance:** Private Collection.
Auction 02: Rare 18th–19th Century Portrait Miniatures & Mourning Jewellery — Melis Antiques & Art