Irish-English: Nathaniel Hone

Portriat miniature attributed to Nathaniel Hone the Elder, depicting a Georgian Era lady wearing a portrait miniature, set in a bracelet, and a necklace made of plaited hair, from which a ring is suspended

Georgian Era Lady Wearing a Portrait Miniature,
Set in a Bracelet, and a Necklace Made of Plaited
Hair, from which a Ring is Suspended

Irish-English
circa 1770-1780
Attributed to Nathaniel Hone the Elder (1718-1784)

1 5/8 x 2 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed in a gilt metal pendant frame

At first glance, one might assume this to be a mourning portrait (i.e., a widow wearing her deceased husband's wedding band at her neck and his portrait miniature at her wrist). The subject's confident pose, casually draped hair and colorful attire point instead, however to it being a sentimental portrait in which the subject is displaying her devotion to the man she loves.