English Artist: Richard Crosse

Mary Nutt (1785-1810), Daughter of Capt. George Anson Nutt
and Step Daughter of Mary Tymewell Blake Nutt

English
circa 1792
by Richard Crosse (ca. 1742-1810)

1 3/16 x 1 5/8 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed in a gilt metal pendant frame
engraved to the reverse, "Mary Tymewell Nutt"

This portrait miniature was purchased for the collection alongside the miniatures of both Mary's father, George Anson Nutt (himself painted as a child) and her step-mother, Mary Tymewell Blake. (See photos below.) Mary Nutt was the second of four children born to Capt. Nutt and his first wife, Mary Smith, who died in 1791. Mary Tymewell Blake was the second wife of Capt. George Anson Nutt (married on September 27, 1792).

About the Artist: Richard Crosse was born in Devonshire, circa 1742. Born deaf mute, he took up miniature painting as a hobby. In 1758, at the age of 16, he was awarded a premium (a cash award) for drawing by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, which motivated him to relocate to London with the aim of honing his skills further. Studied at Shipley's Drawing School (William Shipley, 1715-1803) and the Duke of Richmond's Gallery. In addition to painting miniature portraits in watercolor on ivory, he also painted miniatures in enamel and full sized portraits in oil on canvas. Exhibited at the Society of Artists (1760-1796), the Free Society of Artists (1761-1766), and the Royal Academy of Arts (1770-1796). In 1789, he was appointed Painter in Enamel to King George III. Died in Devonshire at the age of 68. Known to have works in collection of the British Museum (London), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge), the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), the Cincinnati Art Museum (Cincinnati, Ohio), The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, Missouri) and numerous private collections worldwide. Listed by Benezit, Blättel (pages 246, 247), Foskett (page 520) and Schidlof (pages 174, 175).

Related portraits in the Tormey-Holder Collection
(click photos for larger views and additional information):

George Anson Nutt (1750-1828)
at about Eight Years of Age

Miss Mary Tymewell Blake (1757-1841)
Who Later Became Mrs. George Anson Nutt