Sir George Sayer

Traditionally identified as Sir George Sayer, this may be a portrait of Rear-Admiral Sir George Sayer (1773-1831) who had a long and distinguished naval and administrative career mainly based in the East Indies for which he was awarded the Companionship of the Bath. The portrait shows a distinguished-looking gentleman in a powdered pigtail wig with buckles (rolled curls) wearing a crimson coat lined with mint green that matches his waistcoat.

The portrait is set in the original gilt metal frame and, apart from a tiny scratch to the glass, is in very good condition.

A native of Devonshire, Richard Crosse (1742-1810) was born deaf and dumb, as was one of his sisters. He began painting miniatures as a hobby and in 1758 won a prize at the Society of Arts that inspired him to study art. He became a successful artist and built up a distinguished clientele that included royalty. He fell in love with his cousin, Miss Cobley, but she did not reciprocate and married elsewhere, the disappointment reportedly turning him into a misanthrope.