A fine English portrait miniature from the early 18th century, dating to circa 1720, from the studio of Bernard Lens III (1682–1740), one of the important figures in the development of miniature portrait painting in England during the early Georgian period. The work was executed in watercolours on a natural substrate and depicts a gentleman of distinguished appearance, dressed in a richly coloured blue coat and a crimson cloak, in keeping with men's fashion among the affluent classes in England during the early 18th century. The portrait is characterised by meticulous brushwork, rich colouring, and delicate treatment of the facial features, hair, and details of the clothing. Description of the Portrait The gentleman is depicted in a half-length composition, with his shoulders turned slightly to one side and his face directed towards the viewer. His face has a relatively full oval shape, with greyish-brown eyes, a straight nose, and softly rendered lips. His expression is serene and restrained, with a hint of a smile that gives the sitter a sense of personal presence. He wears a long, curled wig in a light greyish-brown shade, arranged in closely formed, graduated curls falling on either side of his face to shoulder level. The wig reflects men's fashion among the aristocracy and affluent classes in England during the early 18th century, when long, carefully styled wigs formed a central part of formal and representative appearance. He is dressed in a deep royal blue coat with a relatively open front, decorated with a row of gilt buttons and horizontal gold braid. Beneath the coat is a white shirt with delicate folds, while a loosely tied black neckcloth creates a less formal appearance than that seen in some portraits of the period. A cloak in a deep crimson-red shade is draped over one shoulder, falling along the left side of the portrait and adding a rich colour accent to the composition. The dark background, in shades of greyish-brown and smoky black, emphasises the sitter's face, light-coloured wig, and blue coat. The contrast between the deep blue coat, crimson cloak, and pale tones of the face and hair creates a rich and balanced composition characteristic of English male portraiture during the early 18th century. The Frame and Convex Glass The miniature is mounted in an oval gilt-metal pendant frame with borders decorated by a closely spaced row of spherical beads and a small suspension ring at the top. The frame is characterised by a carefully executed decorative construction, giving the portrait a formal and elegant appearance. The front of the miniature is protected by convex glass, held in place by a raised metal band with delicately serrated edges. The convex glass gives the portrait an additional sense of depth and reflects the framing tradition of antique miniature paintings. The reverse of the frame consists of a solid gold-coloured metal plate with a relatively smooth surface. The Attributed Artist – Bernard Lens III (1682–1740) Bernard Lens III was an English miniature painter and art teacher who was among the important artists active in miniature portrait painting during the early 18th century. He was born into a family of artists and continued a family tradition of painting, drawing, and engraving. Lens was particularly known for his contribution to the development of miniature painting in watercolours on a natural substrate, a technique that gradually became central to British miniature art. He worked in London and was associated with important artistic and social circles of his period. His works were characterised by meticulous treatment of facial features, delicate colour transitions, and rich depiction of clothing, wigs, and jewellery. The present miniature has been attributed to the studio of Bernard Lens III, meaning the artistic circle or working environment associated with him, rather than necessarily a painting executed by his own hand. This attribution is based on the original description of the work, and no independent documentary evidence confirming it has been presented at this stage. Artistic Background – Portrait Miniature Painting in England circa 1720 During the early 18th century, England was an important centre for the development of miniature portrait painting. Portrait miniatures were sought after among members of the aristocracy, the Royal Court, and the affluent classes, and served as personal keepsakes, family gifts, and objects intended to preserve the likenesses of loved ones. During this period, different painting traditions existed alongside one another, including watercolour painting on natural substrates and enamel painting. Among the important artists active in England during the early 18th century were Bernard Lens III (1682–1740), Christian Friedrich Zincke (1683–1767), and Peter Cross (died 1724). Male portraits of the period were characterised by long, curled wigs, colourful coats, gilt buttons, and the use of rich fabrics intended to emphasise the sitter's social standing. The present miniature reflects these characteristics through the curled wig, decorated blue coat, and crimson cloak. Provenance and Ownership History The miniature was sold at Bonhams in London in 2004. This reference gives the work additional interest in terms of its ownership history and the possibility of locating historical documentation of its appearance on the art market. Artistic and Collecting Significance The miniature represents the tradition of English male portraiture during the early 18th century and is characterised by rich colouring, meticulous depiction of clothing, and delicate treatment of facial features. The attribution to the studio of Bernard Lens III, the early dating to circa 1720, and the reference to Bonhams in London in 2004 give the work research and collecting interest. The combination of the blue coat, crimson cloak, curled wig, and decorated gilt frame creates a portrait of striking visual presence. **Artist:** Studio of Bernard Lens III (1682–1740) **Date:** Circa 1720 **Period:** Early Georgian **Country of Origin:** England **Genre:** Half-Length Portrait Miniature of a Gentleman **Technique:** Watercolours on a natural substrate **Dimensions:** Approximately 8.9 × 7.0 cm **Frame:** Oval gilt-metal pendant frame with beaded borders and an upper suspension ring **Front:** Convex glass held in a raised setting with delicately serrated edges **Reverse:** Solid gold-coloured metal plate **Provenance:** Bonhams, London, 2004
Auction 02: Rare 18th–19th Century Portrait Miniatures & Mourning Jewellery — Melis Antiques & Art