A portrait miniature of an officer called Colonel Streatfield of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, wearing dark blue coat with red facings and gold lace, his hair powdered

“His clientele included the royal family, as well as aristocratic sitters”

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Original gold fausse-montre frame, the obverse engraved with foliate border

This portrait by Richard Crosse dates from his early in his career as a miniaturist. It displays the artist’s extraordinary ability to convey fabric texture, as well as minute facial details, in watercolour.

Crosse was born a deaf mute and initially took up miniature painting as an interested amateur. His talent soon became apparent and he won a premium at the Society of Arts in 1758, going on to study at Shipley’s Drawing School. His clientele included the royal family, as well as aristocratic sitters. He also painted many portraits of his own family, including his brother who cared for him.