Miniature Portrait Of John Harrison (1755-1818)
Artist: Richard Cosway (1742-1821)
Watercolour on ivory (licence number QRBRY4P2);
Gold frame, with blue and white enamel border and lock of hair held with gold wire on opalescent glass
Oval, 80mm (3 1/8in) high
John Harrison's father, also named John, had been a director of the East India Company and the Bank of England. Clearly, his profession benefited the rest of his family, as the John Harrison depicted here would go on to become president of the East India Company's Canton branch. The Company had a post in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou), near Hong Kong, since 1715. From there, it exported large quantities of Chinese tea, the popularity of which had steadily increased among the British throughout the 18th century. Until then, trade had been limited to the Cantonese ports for Western European merchants, where other Chinese goods, such as porcelain and furniture, were also increasingly sought after for export.
At the time this portrait was painted, the market in Canton was changing, and the East India Company had long been experiencing a trade deficit. Chinese consumers were not particularly interested in what they had to offer. The situation changed rapidly with the emergence of the idea of exporting opium, cultivated in the British colonies of India, to China. The East India Company seized upon an open and rapidly expanding market for this highly addictive substance. During the 19th century, this trade would trigger the Opium Wars.
Little is known about John's involvement in this trade, except that he was president of the company. In 1807, he became High Sheriff of Kent; given this date, it can be assumed that he held this position upon his return from Canton. In Great Britain, he lived at Denne Hill, Kent. He died childless in 1818. Despite his connections with the East India Company, which would have given him access to sumptuous fabrics, his attire is remarkably simple, highlighting his piercing blue eyes and facial features.
The vivid blue used in the background of this miniature is characteristic of Cosway's later works. By the time this portrait was painted, Cosway was already a well-established artist and lived on Pall Mall, next door to the Gainsboroughs. There, he and Maria hosted lavish parties and soirées, attended by prominent figures in Georgian society. It is likely that many of his commissions from this period stemmed from such events, and that Cosway's fame extended not only to his artistic talent but also to his status as an influential member of society.
Gold frame, with blue and white enamel border and lock of hair held with gold wire on opalescent glass
Oval, 80mm (3 1/8in) high
John Harrison's father, also named John, had been a director of the East India Company and the Bank of England. Clearly, his profession benefited the rest of his family, as the John Harrison depicted here would go on to become president of the East India Company's Canton branch. The Company had a post in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou), near Hong Kong, since 1715. From there, it exported large quantities of Chinese tea, the popularity of which had steadily increased among the British throughout the 18th century. Until then, trade had been limited to the Cantonese ports for Western European merchants, where other Chinese goods, such as porcelain and furniture, were also increasingly sought after for export.
At the time this portrait was painted, the market in Canton was changing, and the East India Company had long been experiencing a trade deficit. Chinese consumers were not particularly interested in what they had to offer. The situation changed rapidly with the emergence of the idea of exporting opium, cultivated in the British colonies of India, to China. The East India Company seized upon an open and rapidly expanding market for this highly addictive substance. During the 19th century, this trade would trigger the Opium Wars.
Little is known about John's involvement in this trade, except that he was president of the company. In 1807, he became High Sheriff of Kent; given this date, it can be assumed that he held this position upon his return from Canton. In Great Britain, he lived at Denne Hill, Kent. He died childless in 1818. Despite his connections with the East India Company, which would have given him access to sumptuous fabrics, his attire is remarkably simple, highlighting his piercing blue eyes and facial features.
The vivid blue used in the background of this miniature is characteristic of Cosway's later works. By the time this portrait was painted, Cosway was already a well-established artist and lived on Pall Mall, next door to the Gainsboroughs. There, he and Maria hosted lavish parties and soirées, attended by prominent figures in Georgian society. It is likely that many of his commissions from this period stemmed from such events, and that Cosway's fame extended not only to his artistic talent but also to his status as an influential member of society.
3 965 €
Period: 18th century
Style: English Style
Condition: En l'etat
Height: oval, 80mm high
Reference (ID): 1654915
Availability: In stock
Print
