Receding Hair

Set against a blue and rust red backdrop that is typical of Richmond’s work, this strongly delineated and expressive portrait shows a gentleman with a dimpled chin and a receding hairline that he’s tried to disguise by brushing his hair forwards. He’s also adopted the fashion for sideburns.

The portrait is set in the original gold frame that has a glazed hair compartment on the reverse within a blue glass surround, the initials TP in seed pearls set on a tiny blue glass plaque within the plaited hair. Both frame and portrait are in fine condition.

Born at Kew where his father was an innkeeper, Thomas Richmond was fortunate to have the opportunity to study painting under the direction of his mother’s cousin, the well-established miniaturist George Engleheart. He was later commissioned by the Royal Family to create copies of miniatures within the Royal Collection.