Portrait miniature of an unknown Lady

“Samuel Cotes first trained as an apothecary but was later taught painting by his brother, Francis.”

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Wearing white and blue 'shepherdess' style dress with slashed sleeves, a blue ribbon choker, earrings and matching hair ornament

Samuel Cotes first trained as an apothecary but was later taught painting by his brother, Francis. His initial training would have been helpful in the difficult art of enamelling, of which this portrait miniature is a rare example of his work. Better known for his work on ivory, he exhibited at the R.A. from 1769-1789. Very little is known about his life, although he was married twice (his second wife, Sarah, was an amateur artist).