An Irish Sparkle

Painted around 1790, this is an early example of a portrait by the prolific and popular miniaturist Frederick Buck. Wearing a low-cut gown with a ruffled neckline and pink ribbon sash, her strawberry blonde curls are undressed and fall over her shoulders.

Apart from a small, but not obvious, area of paint loss to the hair, the miniature is in good condition. It is presented in a later silver frame with a sparkling paste surround with a ribbon bow hanger. There are two missing stones and some possible replacements as well as a small underchip, only visible under magnification, to the edge of glass (between 2 and 3 o’clock).

The younger son of an Irish silversmith, Frederick Buck (1771-1840) studied at the Dublin Society Schools before setting up a studio in the busy port city of Cork. He was a prolific and resourceful artist sourcing his clientele from the local gentry and the military passing through. He married twice and had at least eight children.