Francis Hargreaves Portrait Miniature

This week’s pick once again centers on a portrait miniature. Artistic dynasties are fascinating and although not as dominant as say the Peale family in 18^th century America, the Hargreaves family nevertheless left an important artistic mark on the British Isles for nearly a century. Thomas Hargreaves moved from Liverpool to London in 1790 at the age of 16 to begin his training at the Royal Academy. Around 1795 he returned to Liverpool and began a 40 year career of painting the highest quality miniatures ever produced in Ireland. He had several sons who were miniaturists, George and Francis apparently being the most prolific. Both went on to successfully paint portrait miniatures and their work is represented in the V and A as well as the NPG in Dublin and Bath museum. George’s work is found less frequently than his father’s but according to Foskett examples of Francis’ work are downright scarce. 

Although not as valuable as their ivory cousins, portrait miniatures on card can be just as engaging and interesting-especially when done by an exceptional artist. Because the paint dries fast and soaks in on the card, the artist was forced to execute quickly and in greater detail to retain lifelike results. The clientele was probably young professionals who could not afford the expensive ivory and gold frame.

Such is the case with the miniature below purchased on eBay UK. It was clearly identified as being signed on the reverse: “Francis Hargreaves. Fecit. 1840. Liverpool” It was not mentioned in the listing but I also noticed some faint writing along the bottom of the painting. I ended up winning the auction with a bid of £70 ($106). When I received it I was pleased with the quality of the work which stylistically has elements that are common to father and sons. I was also pleased to find the mat to be original with marbled paper border. The frame may indeed be original but could also be later. Under microscope I also found the faint writing at the bottom to read “ Fran (or Franc) Hargreaves 1840”. Famed collector Don Shelton has a Francis Hargreaves signed with a similar abbreviated first name. Many existing Francis Hargreaves miniatures are signed on the reverse identically to this one, many with Pinxit or Fecit (Latin- “made me or created me”). Microscopic examination of the signature ink confirms that it is completely of the period and authentic. Given the scarcity of miniatures of any kind by Francis Hargreaves I would estimate the value at auction to be between $450-$600.

Kind Thanks to my pal Don Shelton. Check out his blog at 
http://www.portrait-miniature.blogspot.com/

For next week’s pick post I’ll talk about my philosophy of picking as well as some helpful hints and tips!

Happy Hunting!

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