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This was purchased from America, but is an English "revival miniature" of c.1900-20. The vendor description recorded a belief it was either on hand-painted on paper or a lithograph, and it was offered as unsigned, although the vendor did note a date of 1918. ds 1533
Although difficult to see, it appeared to be signed and then dated 1918 at lower left, almost under the frame. It is a little above average size for a miniature, with sight size of 130mm x 100mm, and when it arrived, it was possible to confirm it was painted, and was signed "Annie G Fletcher RMS 1918".
Researching her, established she was a member of the Royal Miniature Society, and Foskett records;
Fletcher, Miss Annie G[ertrude?] (Mrs E.J.Houle (fl.1895-1914) Exhibited at the R.A.1805-1914, from various London addresses. Painted miniatures and portraits in oil. Exhibits included a portrait in oil of the late General Sir Michael Biddulph G.C.B., R.A., Black Rod; Mrs Mullens; and Miss Hilda Marion, and Arnold, children of W. Wolfe Fletcher Esq.
The 1918 date is thus, slightly later than the biographical dates earlier ascribed to her. In its Archieve Collection, the RMS lists, A School Girl by Mrs Annie G Houle 1896 nee Annie Fletcher,
A School Girl by Mrs Annie G Houle 1896 nee Annie Fletcher
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An interesting group of British miniatures was acquired as a single lot. ds 1539 a, b, c.
The portrait of King George V is well painted, as is that of Queen Mary wearing her robes for the 21 June, 1911 coronation of George V..
In 1914, to show support for the troops fighting in Europe, George V was photographed in military uniform and sent, along with a message to the troops. The miniature here is very similar, but with one notable difference. In the official portrait he is not wearing a great-coat, whereas he is wearing a greatcoat in the miniature.
The miniature is unsigned, but of excellent quality, by a good artist, so one wonders why it is different. So far, no other source image, has been noted of George wearing a greatcoat.
The miniature of Queen Mary shows her at the time of receiving her crown, as in an image of the time;
The miniature of Victoria and Albert is by an amateur hand, but despite that, with quite good detail.
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This miniature was purchased from California in America, and appears to be 1820-40 American in style, and by the metal bezel casework, and is in a typical, period, ebonised rectangular frame.. It has been listed under British, but does not seem to fit the usual style of British 19C miniatures, where the backgrounds were generally lighter, and tend to lack the rectangular ormolu bezel; so prevalent in American miniatures. ds 1535
The sitter has a kindly facial appearance, and Anson Dickinson seems a possible artist, However, there is an advertisement on the rear from London, which may be later packing. There are also reflections which confuse the detail. The packing has a date at the top of 1828, which has been hand altered to 1829. Such a date would fit with Anson Dickinson (1779-1952)..
It also seems possible the miniature was originally housed in a red leather case. Such cases often disintegrated over time, and a portrait would then need rehousing. In this instance, that might explain the original bezel being transferred, in around 1800, to a new ebonised frame, perhaps with new "period", packing on the reverse.
The advertisement refers to the General Annuity Society, an early insurance company, and appears to be soliciting donations from subscribers to that society on behalf of John Ariell who, "having carried on the Business of a grocer for 24 years at... street, Fitzroy Square" is in failing health. So far no other reference to him has been noted.
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