A Portrait Miniature of an unknown Gentleman

“This portrait is typical of his style, particularly the blue shading around the eyes. Being from a family of well-known jewellers, Robertson’s frames are usually of high quality, this example being no exception.”

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An unknown Gentleman, wearing blue coat, white waistcoat and cravat

Original gold frame, the reverse with blue glass border surrounding an aperture glazed to reveal plaited hair

Charles Robertson was a gifted artist from an early age. A jeweller’s son, born in Dublin, his earliest work was intricate hair designs which he exhibited in 1768/9. His brother Walter Robertson (d.1801) was also probably his teacher and the two lived together for some time. He worked in London 1785-1792, exhibiting portrait miniatures at the RA from 1790-1810. He died in his native Dublin. This portrait miniature is typical of his style, particularly the blue shading around the eyes. Being from a family of well-known jewellers, Robertson’s frames are usually of high quality, this example being no exception.

Robertson's work table and his portrait miniature of his elder brother are in the collection of The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.