Walter Sterling, by John Russell, R.A., signed & dated 1787.

This is a wonderful example of this important artist's rare work in miniature.

Walter Sterling (1780-1864) was the second son of the sixteen children Andrew Sterling of Drumpellier, founder of the Commission House of Sterling, Hunter & Company of London. Sterling's maternal grandmother was Dorothy Willing, the daughter of Charles Willing, mayor of Philadelphia. The Willing interests in both America and London were vast. Walter Sterling represented the Willing business in London. In 1850 he inherited his family's properties as heir to his brother, William Sterling of Drumpellier. Sterling, who lived at 18 Curzon Street in London, is buried in his family's private vault in Kensal.

Set in the original gilt metal pendant frame, signed with initials and dated lower left.

2 3/4 inches (7 cm) high.

Provenance: By descent in the family of Charles Sterling, R.N., (1831-1915), nephew of the sitter.

John Russell, R.A. (1745-1806), Crayon Painter to King George III and the Prince of Wales, studied with Francis Cotes and at the Royal Academy Schools, exhibiting 332 portraits at the Royal Academy from 1768-1802. In 1772 he published Elements of Painting with Crayons. The National Portrait Gallery, London has two of Russell's self portraits in their collection.