Georgian Miniature Painting on Ivory by Lady Fordyce/ 18th Cent.-Museum Quality

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Fine Georgian Miniature Painting - Circa 1797 ~ Lady Margaret Fordyce ~ "Calliope the Muse of Poetry" ~ please scroll down for more photos ~ SIZE: Framed (not including finial with ring) - 3.5" x 4.5" (9 cm x 11.4 cm) DESCRIPTION:Very fine Georgian miniature painting, titled "Poetry" attributed to well-listed English artist, Lady Margaret Fordyce (1753-1814)This painting was executed with oils on a thin ivory panel and is mounted in it's original 18th century gilded brass or bronze frame.The attribution is based on a hand-penned, dated and signed paper note affixed to the back of the ivory support, which reads:Poetry - from a picture in thepossession of Ly. M. Fordyce1797 MFThe painting itself appears to be unsigned, however, Margaret Fordyce is a listed English artist and no doubt wrote and signed the note on the back. The painting is likely a copy of a larger oil that was in her collection, and possibly by a well-known artist, although I have not been able to locate an image of that work.This miniature is very finely painted. The brushwork is delicate, detailed, and subtle in color and texture. The skin tones are luminous and the Calliope's hair and clothing are deep and rich in tone and color.The frame is original and of the Georgian era. It is quite strong and solid, but simple and plain, with only the small accent of a leaf and berry finial-hanger for decoration. The painting is mounted in the frame with it's original domed or curved glass cover which keeps the glass surface nicely separated from the painting. Lady Margaret Fordyce knew many important artists and literary figures of the period, including Thomas Gainsborough who painted her portrait. The last image (scroll down to the bottom) shows the Gainsborough portrait of her, and in it Lady Margaret looks very much like the woman portrayed in this miniature. And, so it is interesting to speculate whether the woman in the miniature is Margaret Fordyce, painted as the "Poetry" muse, Calliope by one of her artist friends and then copied as a miniature by Margaret herself. Lady Margaret and her sister were evidently members of a "Muse Society" in London, a popular pastime with young women and men. There is much information to be found on the internet with a search for "Lady Margaret Fordyce". AGE:Circa 1797 CONDITION:Good condition, as shown in the photos and with the following noted: The front surface of the painting is in excellent condition with no damage or restoration. The ivory support is in good condition with no cracks, no splits and no losses. There is paper glued to the back of the ivory support, including the penned note. as can be seen in the photos.The frame is in good condition with light tarnish and wear to the surfaces. No damage, no losses, no repairs.Note: There was probably, at one time but now missing, a backing panel that fit in place over the painting in the back, maybe wood or a velvet covered card board. HISTORY: Margaret Fordyce (English. 1753 - 1814)Lady Margaret Fordyce was born in Scotland in 1753, the daughter of James Lindsay, the Fifth Earl of Balcarres and Lady Margaret Campbell. She married General Alexander Fordyce in 1771 and settled in London, in a house in Berkeley Square. Several years later, after his bankruptcy and disgrace, Alexander Fordyce died leaving Margaret as a widow. Her sister Anne moved to Margaret's house and continued to live there even after Lady Margaret Fordyce had married Sir James Burgess, in 1812. Of all her family Anne seems to have been the most devoted to her sister Margaret, a girl of singular accomplishments and beauty. Lady Margaret was an accomplished artist, painter of miniatures, art collector, writer, poetress, and actress in society events. Shewas evidently a woman of great beauty and a number of artists painted her and works were written about her. PLEASE NOTE : The low opening bid, with no reserve, is not meant to reflect upon the actual monetary value of the piece. My auctions are structured this way to encourage... read more

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