Gustavus Hamilton 1745-1775
Portrait of a Lady, c.1770
Painted in watercolour and gouache on ivory
Set in gilt frame, 8.9 x 7.8 cm.
Oval
This is good example of a portrait of a typical “Bluestocking” or intellectual woman. The sitter is presented in a contemplative pose resting her head on her hand and leaning on a book as she gazes into the distance. The informality of the portrait is further emphasised by her state of undress. The details of the blue silk wrapping-gown and loose-fitting white chemise (or nightdress) are picked out in over-painted gum laden gouache. Hamilton's idiosyncratic style of miniature painting is particularly apparent in this example. The eyes and eyebrows are exaggerated in size and painted in dark browns and black. This may be a miniature version of a large-scale oil portrait. It has been established that Hamilton was born in 1745. At the age of ten he was one of the first miniature painters to study drawing at Robert West’s Academy in George's Lane, Dublin, where he was awarded prizes for his work in 1755 and 1756. On leaving the schools he worked for Samuel Dixon (active 1748-69) colouring his basso-relievo prints. He was painting miniature portraits from 1758. Hamilton spent his entire career working in Dublin and exhibited his work at the Society of Artists of Ireland exhibitions from 1765 until 1773. He was buried at St Werburgh’s church, on 10 December 1775, where a memorial plaque was erected in his memory.
Dr Paul Caffrey
Portrait of a Lady, c.1770
Painted in watercolour and gouache on ivory
Set in gilt frame, 8.9 x 7.8 cm.
Oval
This is good example of a portrait of a typical “Bluestocking” or intellectual woman. The sitter is presented in a contemplative pose resting her head on her hand and leaning on a book as she gazes into the distance. The informality of the portrait is further emphasised by her state of undress. The details of the blue silk wrapping-gown and loose-fitting white chemise (or nightdress) are picked out in over-painted gum laden gouache. Hamilton's idiosyncratic style of miniature painting is particularly apparent in this example. The eyes and eyebrows are exaggerated in size and painted in dark browns and black. This may be a miniature version of a large-scale oil portrait. It has been established that Hamilton was born in 1745. At the age of ten he was one of the first miniature painters to study drawing at Robert West’s Academy in George's Lane, Dublin, where he was awarded prizes for his work in 1755 and 1756. On leaving the schools he worked for Samuel Dixon (active 1748-69) colouring his basso-relievo prints. He was painting miniature portraits from 1758. Hamilton spent his entire career working in Dublin and exhibited his work at the Society of Artists of Ireland exhibitions from 1765 until 1773. He was buried at St Werburgh’s church, on 10 December 1775, where a memorial plaque was erected in his memory.
Dr Paul Caffrey
Portrait of a Lady, c.1770
Painted in watercolour and gouache on ivory
Set in gilt frame, 8.9 x 7.8 cm.
Oval
This is good example of a portrait of a typical “Bluestocking” or intellectual woman. The sitter is presented in a contemplative pose resting her head on her hand and leaning on a book as she gazes into the distance. The informality of the portrait is further emphasised by her state of undress. The details of the blue silk wrapping-gown and loose-fitting white chemise (or nightdress) are picked out in over-painted gum laden gouache. Hamilton's idiosyncratic style of miniature painting is particularly apparent in this example. The eyes and eyebrows are exaggerated in size and painted in dark browns and black. This may be a miniature version of a large-scale oil portrait. It has been established that Hamilton was born in 1745. At the age of ten he was one of the first miniature painters to study drawing at Robert West’s Academy in George's Lane, Dublin, where he was awarded prizes for his work in 1755 and 1756. On leaving the schools he worked for Samuel Dixon (active 1748-69) colouring his basso-relievo prints. He was painting miniature portraits from 1758. Hamilton spent his entire career working in Dublin and exhibited his work at the Society of Artists of Ireland exhibitions from 1765 until 1773. He was buried at St Werburgh’s church, on 10 December 1775, where a memorial plaque was erected in his memory.
Dr Paul Caffrey