Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, wearing a blue jacket, with white stock and waistcoat

JAMES SCOULER (1741-1812)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, wearing a blue jacket, with white stock and waistcoat

Watercolour on ivory (license N4MGHRQB)
Signed and dated ‘Scouler 1798’.
Gilt-metal frame, the reverse decorated with hairwork, seed pearls, and metalwork, with the monogram ‘ES’.

SOLD

'He had been brought up in Edinburgh, as the son of an organ manufacturer. As a teenager, he began his training as a miniaturist, and he had already been awarded a prize by the Society of Arts in 1755 for one of his drawings.'

The present work comes from late in Scouler’s career, at a point where his style had evolved significantly from that used in his earlier works. Here, he has painted an unknown gentleman with rather distinctive facial features, including strong, dark eyebrows. These are emphasised by the use of white paint to line the lower lid of the gentleman’s eyes, which are again dark and gaze out at the viewer.

By this point in his career, Scouler had exhibited numerous works at multiple institutions, including the Royal Academy, Society of Artists, and Free Society of Artists. He had been brought up in Edinburgh, as the son of an organ manufacturer. As a teenager, he began his training as a miniaturist, and he had already been awarded a prize by the Society of Arts in 1755 for one of his drawings.

Scouler’s works are represented within large public and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and Starr Collection. The sheer size and late date of this particular miniature, however, make this a rather unique addition to the artist’s known oeuvre. Many of his works, particularly of women, are painted on a much smaller scale. Furthermore, the accumulation of skill by Scouler is evident in the fine quality of this miniature, especially in comparison to some of these smaller examples.

The sitter of this portrait does not wear a wig, as was the typical fashion for men’s hairstyles in the years leading up to the execution of the miniature, though still appears to have powdered hair. This is significant given that, in 1795, a licence fee for buying powder had been put in place, pricing many members of British society out of this cosmetic luxury. Therefore, whoever the gentleman painted here is, he must have been relatively wealthy.

Private collection.

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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 .

JAMES SCOULER

(1741-1812)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, wearing a blue jacket, with white stock and waistcoat

shipping notice

The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.

You are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of any items made from or containing certain endangered or protected species (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl), while other countries will require a permit (e.g. a CITES licence). Such permits must be obtained from the relevant regulatory body in both the country of importation and exportation. If you intend to import such items into another country you should familiarise yourself with the relevant customs regulations and laws before purchase. Delays or refusal of import or export of such works shall not permit cancellation of a sale. It is your responsibility to satisfy any laws or regulations applying to the import or export of any work containing such protected species. For further information on the protected species listed please visit the CITES website:http://www.cites.org/. For further information about import and export regulations please visit:http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/. On request, the Company can assist with or apply for a license on your behalf.

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shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations. Please contact us to discuss shipping options. 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.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.

Please contact us to discuss shipping options.