English Artist: Ozias Humphry

Elegantly Dressed Georgian Era Lady

English
dated 1768
by Ozias Humphry (1742-1810)

1 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed in a sterling silver inner frame
set within an ornate, gilded, cast metal outer frame

About the Artist: Showing an aptitude for drawing at a young age, Ozias Humphry was sent to London in 1757, at the age of 15, where he studied at the St. Martin's Lane School and the Duke of Richmond's Gallery. In 1760, he was apprenticed in the town of Bath to miniature painter Samuel Collins (ca. 1735-1768), whose practice he ultimately succeeded. Relocated to London in 1764. From 1773, he spent four years touring Italy with the esteemed painter George Romney, after which he returned to London in 1777. Some years later, from 1785, he spent two years in India, after which he again returned to London. Exhibited at the Society of Artists from 1765 to 1771, and at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1779 to 1797. In addition to painting miniature portraits in watercolor on ivory, he also painted larger portraits in both pastels and oil on canvas. Considered one of the finest English miniaturists of the eighteenth century. Listed by Benezit, Blättel (pages 486, 487), Foskett (pages 572, 573) and Schidlof (pages 385, 386).

Other portraits in the Tormey-Holder Collection by Ozias Humphry
(click photo for larger view and additional information):

Eighteenth Century Italian Gentleman,
Wearing a Fashionable, Blue Coat with a Red Collar