Nathaniel Hone the Elder R.A. 1718-1784

SOLD

Portrait of a Gentleman

Watercolour and gouache highlights on ivory, oval, 3 x 1.2 cm.; Signed and dated ‘NH [monogram] 1762’
Set in a gold oval locket

Hone was born in Dublin but spent most of his career in London whilst making frequent visits to Ireland. He occupies a significant place in the history of Irish and English miniature portrait painting during the mid-eighteenth century. Hone’s contribution to the technical development of miniature painting on enamel and in watercolour on ivory and his virtuosity as a miniaturist has not been given sufficient attention in accounts of his life and work. Hone is known as an oil painter, founder member of the Royal Academy and for his dispute with Sir Joshua Reynolds. Hone used tiny linear brushstrokes of watercolour and for the details of dress, hair and other details he mixed gum Arabic with gouache to help the paint stick to the surface. This created a raised effect which may be seen in this portrait. Hone applied his earlier enamel technique to the painting of watercolours on ivory by building up his portraits in layers of tiny brushstrokes. The sitter’s coat and linen shirt are painted in gouache.

Paul Caffrey