A young lady by Richard Cosway, R. A., signed & dated 1808.

Set in the original octagonal gold locket frame, the glazed oval reverse revealing Cosway's full inscription in Latin with the date 1808.

2 11/16 inches (6.9 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.