{HISTORY}

Like a heroine straight out of a historical romance novel, this beautiful framed miniature print features the portrait of an unknown woman painted by Thomas Hargreaves sometime between the late 18th century and the early 19th century. 

Thomas Hargreaves (1774-1847) also sometimes spelled Hargraves, was a well-known miniature portrait painter living and working in 19th-century Liverpool, England. Thomas started his artistic career by studying under Thomas Lawrence, who was the most famous portrait painter in England at the time.

You can see the reflection of his teacher's style in Thomas Hargreaves's work, especially in this portrait of the unknown woman. Throughout his career, Thomas H. painted a significant amount of miniatures with subjects ranging from prominent political figures to artists and entertainers to local merchants and children of wealthy clients. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and later became a founding member of the Royal Society of British Artists, which is still active today.

Well-regarded throughout his career, and highly collected following his death, Thomas Hargreaves's miniature portraits are considered some of the best in English history. A 1903 review of his work in the Liverpool Daily Post expressed the ongoing attraction to his work...

"...looking over these admirably clever sketches of old-fashioned beauties with drooping shoulders and high waists, wearing side curls and low-necked gowns with puffed sleeves - the wives and daughters, for the most part of a by-gone generation of Liverpool merchants  - it is impossible not to be struck by the fact, that hasty memorands as they are no doubt were, they prove that there is in the trained hand a power of seizing impressions with a lifelike fidelity which outstrips the best effects of the camera. That certainty and fineness of line which marks the fingers of the artist; that delicacy and lightness of touch which shows mastery of emphasis and accent; and that true portrait-painter's eye for salient points, give these drawings a distinction and a vitality found only in work of a high order of merit."

While it is not known who the subject is in this small print, her likeness has been seen in other paintings of Hargreaves' work (most often in an image where she is not wearing a hat) suggesting that she was perhaps someone in his intimate circle of friends or family or a repeat customer. There is also a possibility that this portrait could have been a commissioning following the death of the subject, as oftentimes it was the custom to paint portraits of women wearing their favorite or last-worn hat as an expression of life and vitality. This may explain why therea re several versions of portraits of this woman both with and without a hat.

Regardless of her situation, this woman is a beauty of a subject with her dark hair, wide eyes and serene expression. Displayed in a simple wood frame, this vintage print features a muted color palette of espresso, slate grey, blush, pastel pink, gold, and ivory.

Lovely for display propped up on a shelf or hung by a ribbon from the small knob at the top of the frame, please note that this portrait does not come with glass or a hanging wire in back. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find miniature portrait print
• Framed

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There is some slight foxing to the print which gives it another lovely layer of aged character. The wood frame is strong and secure and does not contain any cracks or chips. There is some light, chippy scuffing of the gold paint on the exterior of the frame. Please note that this portrait does not come with glass or a hanging wire in back. 

{SIZE}

Measures 4.5" inches (length) x 3.75" inches (width) x .5" inches (depth) and weighs 2 oz.