John Smart (British, 1741-1811)
A Naval Captain in gold bordered naval uniform with white facings and cravat powdered hair in queue

signed with initials and dated 'J S/85' (lower left)
watercolour on ivory
silver-gilt brooch frame with rose cut diamond surround and engraved 'Richard Lord Howe Admiral of the Fleet' on the reverse

Ivory declaration: XR9FJN2V

Dimensions: oval, 3.8 cm. (1 1/2 in.)

Sale; Christie's, London, 22 March 1988, lot 336 (as Richard Lord Howe),
Sale; Christie's, London, 28 Nov 2006, lot 127,
Phillip Mould & Company, where purchased by the family of the present owner

One of the most celebrated and accomplished portrait miniaturists of the eighteenth century, John Smart was well known for his detailed portrayals, typically watercolour on ivory, of fashionable sitters. His works are easily recognisable, as they were often signed and dated.

Smart was apprenticed to the artist William Shipley at Craig’s Court in London from 1755, alongside fellow miniaturist Richard Cosway. He exhibited frequently at the Society of Artists from 1762, becoming its director in 1771 and subsequently its president in 1778.

In 1785 he travelled to India, where he capitalised on the thriving portrait market by producing works for British settlers as well as for the Nawab of Arcot. He returned to London in 1795.