09-16-200809-16-2008
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2423Boston
September 16, 2008 10:00 AMCalender
213

Antique Miniature Eye Portrait Brooch

Sell one like this
$2,370$2,000
Auction: Fine Jewelry - 2423Location: BostonDate / Time: September 16, 2008 10:00AM

Description:

Antique Miniature Eye Portrait Brooch, the portrait on ivy depicting a bright blue eye below curling powdered locks, framed by foil-backed red pastes, wd. 1 1/8 in.

Note: According to the consignor, the portrait was attributed by Charles McManus, the Philadelphia antiquarian, to Richard Cosway, R.A., a late 18th century miniaturist whose work featured prominently in the J.P. Morgan collection. No further documentations available.
Estimate $1,000-1,500

Paste Eye Portrait
Ivory appears to have cracked and been repaired with some slight repaint, crystal is also damaged, not obstrusive but certainly noticeable when studied
Losses to pastes and glue residues
Later but old pinstem
Skinner can provide NO documentation nor other support for McManus''s attribution to Cosway:
Attribution possibly made on the basis of the powdery curls, feathery style
R. Cosway''s subjects were often royalty and period celebrities

Keywords

Richard Cosway, Charles McManus, J.P. Morgan, the Philadelphia, Philadelphia