Judging

This most expressive character study shows a curmudgeonly looking gentleman with an intent stare, a double chin and bags under his eyes. He wears a white silk waistcoat and a powdered ‘physical’ wig, a style of wig that was much favoured by professional gentlemen. So this gentleman may have been a lawyer or even a judge; his withering stare would surely strike fear into anyone appearing before him in the dock!

Painted by Thomas Richmond, the portrait is set in a handsome blue guilloché enamel frame bordered with fine white enamel and with cushion-shaped paste set in silver cut-down collets. The reverse side displays plaited hair within a foiled blue glass surround. There is a small loss to the white enamel edging at 4 o’clock bot otherwise the frame and miniature are in fine condition.

Thomas Richmond studied painting under his mother’s cousin, the leading miniaturist George Engleheart. Although his technique was understandably influenced by his master, Richmond created his own recognisable style. Born at Kew where his father was an innkeeper, Richmond had a successful and prolific career.