PATRICK JOHN MCMOR(E)LAND

(1741-after 1809)

Portrait miniature of a young Boy, wearing a peppermint green coat

Circa 1775
5 cm (2 inches)
Watercolour on ivory

£1,950

"This portrait of a young boy, wearing a bright peppermint-green coat and matching waistcoat, is reminiscent of the work of John Smart, who he may have known from the Society of Artists..."
The Scottish-born artist Patrick John McMor(e)land appears to have been an itinerant artist like so many miniaturists of the later 18th century. He worked in his native Scotland, but also exhibited at the Society of Artists (1774-1775) and at the Royal Academy from 1776-1782, both in London. He also seems to have spent some time in Manchester. Again, like other artists of his generation, he supplemented his income by lecturing and training other artists.

This portrait of a young boy, wearing a bright peppermint-green coat and matching waistcoat, is reminiscent of the work of John Smart, who he may have known from the Society of Artists. The child’s face is sensitively depicted and the colouring of the clothing, surprisingly bright recalls many of Smart’s portraits of the mid to late 1770s. The portrait world of the 18th century was crowded with artists, particularly portrait miniaturists and McMoreland might have been forced to move around the country to gain commissions, although from the standard of his work and the extant examples which survive in private collections and museums (including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Ashmolean and the British Museum).
Christie's London, 6th December 2005, lot 95 (£3,211)
 

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 .

you may also like