BERNARD LENS
(1682-1740)Portrait miniature of a Lady, in décolleté green dress, gold embroidered frogged bodice, wearing a red and yellow scarf over her upswept hair
Circa 1720-1730
Watercolour on ivory
Signed with monogram ‘B.L’
Gilt-metal beaded mount within turned wooden frame
Oval, 762 mm (3 inches) high
SOLD
“This miniature previously passed through the esteemed miniature collection of the late Valerie Eliot, wife of poet T.S. Eliot…”
The artist, Bernard Lens, was a leading miniaturist working in London between 1710 to 1740. Whilst possibly self-taught, Lens achieved a considerable reputation by holding numerous Royal Appointments under both George I and George II. He was the first British limner to work on ivory and specialised in the care of miniatures, particularly on vellum, restoring and reframing old family portraits for his aristocratic patrons. In addition to his pioneering of these novel techniques, Lens was acted as a dealer and consultant for some of the great connoisseurs of the age.
Lens was a conscious follower of his predecessors, particularly of those who gained international fame such as Nicholas Hilliard and Samuel Cooper. In addition to his own compositions, the artist gained considerable fame as a copyist replicating portraits by these figures from aristocratic collections.
Whilst the sitter of this portrait is unidentified, it is a fine example of Lens’ work during the height of his career when he was at his most in demand. It previously passed through the esteemed miniature collection of the late Valerie Eliot, wife of poet T.S. Eliot.
Lens was a conscious follower of his predecessors, particularly of those who gained international fame such as Nicholas Hilliard and Samuel Cooper. In addition to his own compositions, the artist gained considerable fame as a copyist replicating portraits by these figures from aristocratic collections.
Whilst the sitter of this portrait is unidentified, it is a fine example of Lens’ work during the height of his career when he was at his most in demand. It previously passed through the esteemed miniature collection of the late Valerie Eliot, wife of poet T.S. Eliot.
Christie’s, London, Fine Silver, Objects of Virtu and Portrait Miniatures, 14th October 1992, lot 24;
Christie’s, London, A life’s devotion, Volume I The Collection Of the Late Mrs T.S.Eliot, Portrait Miniatures and Jewellery, 20th November 2013, lot 50.
Christie’s, London, A life’s devotion, Volume I The Collection Of the Late Mrs T.S.Eliot, Portrait Miniatures and Jewellery, 20th November 2013, lot 50.
shipping notice
Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.
The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.
Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer .
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