An Actress, by Richard Cosway, R.A.,
signed with monogram, circa 1770.

Cosway, who from his earliest days, favored mythological themes, enjoyed posing actresses in classical guise. Of note is Cosway's portrait of Mrs. Abington as Thalia, signed with monogram on the plinth, as is this portrait. A portrait of Margaret Cocks, holding an urn, again signed in monogram on the plinth, is in the Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Set in the original gold bracelet clasp with added hanging loop.

1 7/8 inches (4.9 cm) high.

Richard Cosway, R.A. (1740-1821) was one of the finest, and certainly the most notorious eighteenth century English miniaturist. Painter to, and confidant of the Prince of Wales, Cosway exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1770-1806. His clientele included the most dazzling personalities of Georgian England; his salon was legendary. Cosway was married to fellow artist, Maria Hadfield, an Anglo-Florentine beauty who was the object of Thomas Jefferson's affections while he was in Paris. Cosway's captivating works may be seen in virtually every important collection.

See: Lloyd, Richard Cosway, Unicorn Press, 2005, for illustrations of Mrs. Abington, plate 10, and Margaret Cocks, plate 15.

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