PHILIP JEAN
(1755-1802)Portrait miniature of Captain Robert Andrews (b.1753)
Circa 1780
Watercolour on ivory
Ivory registration number: D3B5KB7B
Oval, 46 mm (1 4/5 in) high
£2,200
+44(0)7983510056
'The sitter of this portrait, Robert Andrews, never actually achieved the rank of captain, even though this rank has historically been linked to the portrait. '
Philip Jean painted both miniatures, like the present example, and full-scale oil paintings. Examples of the latter include full-length portraits of George III and Queen Charlotte, as well as the portrait of George now sitting in the collection of the Royal Court House, Jersey. This portrait, however, is an example of the level of skill that he had in painting in the miniature form. His use of layers of light paint to create a metallic effect on Andrews’ Epaulette, and fine brushwork on his wig, combine to create an elegant depiction of the captain.
The sitter of this portrait, Robert Andrews, never actually achieved the rank of captain, even though this rank has historically been linked to the portrait. He joined the 4th Regiment of Dragoons on 5th June 1778, at the age of around 25, this regiment being indicated in the portrait by the ‘IV D’ on the silver buttons of his coat. His first commission, as a Cornet, was by purchase; on 11 May 1785 he purchased promotion to Lieutenant, retiring later that year. These dates allow us to date the present portrait to around 1780, when he would have been active in his service.
We are grateful to Stephen Wood for his advice on the uniform of the sitter.
The sitter of this portrait, Robert Andrews, never actually achieved the rank of captain, even though this rank has historically been linked to the portrait. He joined the 4th Regiment of Dragoons on 5th June 1778, at the age of around 25, this regiment being indicated in the portrait by the ‘IV D’ on the silver buttons of his coat. His first commission, as a Cornet, was by purchase; on 11 May 1785 he purchased promotion to Lieutenant, retiring later that year. These dates allow us to date the present portrait to around 1780, when he would have been active in his service.
We are grateful to Stephen Wood for his advice on the uniform of the sitter.
By descent to his Grand-Daughter, Alicia Massey, second wife of Nathaniel Colville and thence by descent through the Colville Family until 2004;
Bonnington’s Auctions, Essex, November 2018, lot 137;
Private collection.
Bonnington’s Auctions, Essex, November 2018, lot 137;
Private collection.
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