Diamond Geezer

This exceptionally well-drafted and beguiling portrait was painted during the 1770s and so was amongst George Engleheart’s earliest commissions completed whilst the artist was still in his twenties. It demonstrates his early technical ability to animate his portraits by capturing all the small details both of the person’s expression and the costume.

Handsomely attired in a turquoise blue coat trimmed with braid and a matching waistcoat befitting a nobleman at court, the gentleman’s story is now sadly lost. The portrait is signed with the artist’s initials bottom left. In fine condition, it resides in the original gold and silver bracelet style frame set with circular-cut diamonds.

George Engleheart (1750-1829) ranks amongst the most talented of the artists that were working during the Georgian heyday of portrait miniature painting. During his career he painted over 4,800 miniature portraits with 1788 being a particularly busy year for him with more than 220 completed commissions.