It will be seventy years earlier than the appearance of images, and so to these in Georgian society to which it may very well be afforded, having your portrait painted was the way in which to file your standing. It was a technique to be remembered or a token for a beloved one after you’ve departed. Having a portrait painted by Good can be the fashionable comparable for being photographed by David Bailey or Hugo Burnand.
Who Was John Good?
Born in 1741, in Norfolk, John Good was one among, if not, the main (and most completed) miniature portrait painter of Georgian society. His expertise was prevalent from an early age. In 1755, aged 14 he was runner-up to Richard Cosway in a drawing competitors for below 14s held by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Later in the identical yr, he started attending the brand new drawing college of William Shipley in London, together with Cosway and Richard Crosse. Nonetheless, by 1760 he had established a profitable profession as a miniature painter.
In 1762, aged 21, he joined and exhibited on the Society of Artists in London, later changing into president in 1778. It’s believed he travelled to India in 1785, acquiring a number of high-profile commissions of the nawab of Arcot, East India Firm personnel, authorities officers and affluent members of Indian society. Following this, he moved again to the UK in 1797, settling in London and died in 1811.
His Fashion
Good was famend for his use of quiet color and subtlety. He was a talented draughtsman and infrequently used detailed drawings as a foundation for his miniatures. He’s recognized to have sketched in graphite and watercolour onto paper or vellum creating quite a few research earlier than finishing his remaining portrait. Then, portray onto ivory, his flesh tints, element in cloth and anatomical accuracy made him world-renowned. His works have been usually initialled and dated, however his consideration to element was normally his biggest signature even on the smallest of sizes.
The Sitter
This portrait miniature is inscribed to the reverse Erasmus Saunders D.D. Born in 1712, he was a well-educated man. He graduated from Merton School, Oxford with a BA in 1737, an MA in 1740, a BD in 1751 and a DD in 1753. He was appointed vicar of Wantage in 1755 and in 1756 was made Prebendary of Rochester Cathedral and the vicar of St Martin within the Fields. From 1751 to 1756, he served because the Canon of Windsor and was appointed to the tenth stall in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. He died in 1775 and is buried within the south aisle of Tub Abbey. Apparently, this portrait is initialled JS dated 1776 (so painted after his demise) however as it’s dated 1750 to the reverse, it probably depicts a youthful Saunders.
John Good at Public sale
Lot 620
Georgian portrait miniature, by John Good
Estimate: £1,200 – £1,800
Viewing instances (ID required):
London
Tuesday twenty third July 12:00 – 19:00
Wednesday twenty fourth July 10:00 – 16:00
Birmingham
Monday twenty ninth July 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday thirtieth July 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday thirty first July 8:30 – 10:00
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Alison Snowdon BA (Hons) | Common Valuer
