In Profile

Painted on card with gum arabic highlights, this larger than average silhouette shows a gentleman in a double-breasted coat and cravat. An indistinct inscription on the reverse names him as Thomas Fieldeman?

The profile is in fine condition and is housed in the original large papier-mâché frame with Foster’s distinctive hanger featuring his name over a crown.

It was not until 1810 that Derby-born Edward Foster took up a career in painting having first served with the army during the later phase of the American War of Independence, and then in Holland and Egypt. He became a prolific artist benefitting from Royal patronage. He is said to have been married five times with seventeen children, only the youngest of whom outlived him. According to the Press reports of his death in 1865, Foster had reached the impressive age of 102 years and 93 days, a claim that has, however, subsequently been disproved.