English School. A pair of oval portrait miniatures of a lady and gentleman, circa 1820

Attributed to J.H. Gillespie (1793-circa 1838). A pair of oval portrait miniatures of a lady and gentleman, circa 1820, 2 head and shoulder portraits in monochrome watercolour and gouache on card, the first profile to right depicting a lady with short dark curls, wearing a high-waisted black gown with muslin neckline and frilled collar, a brooch and drop earrings, and an elaborate hat with gathers and sequins, hat highlighted with touches of silver, 71 x 63mm (3 x 2.5 ins), the other profile to left depicting a grey-haired gentleman wearing a black gown over a black coat, and white bands, 75 x 60mm (3 x 2.5ins), matching cream satin-lined red morocco oval cases (90 x 75 mm), first item loose in case with loss of interior velvet rim and glass

(Qty: 2)

Thought to be by the portrait miniature and silhouette painter J.H. Gillespie. He produced work in a number of different styles, in a range of prices, from plain silhouettes to profiles in watercolour, including monochrome portraits such as these which he advertised as: ‘Likenesses, with the features neatly shaded on Black grounds, in imitation of Copper-Plate busts’.