The Ruffled Cravat

This amiable-looking gentleman is shown wearing a Royal blue coat with large buttons and a ruffled white cravat, his powdered wig tied en queue with black ribbon. Dating to around 1780, the miniature is set in its original gold bracelet style frame and was likely worn with pride by his wife. A later hanger has been added.

Self-taught, Samuel Shelley (1750-1808) was seventeen when he entered the Royal Academy Schools. He exhibited widely between 1772 and 1804. His death after a short illness was announced in the London papers without fanfare.