This wonderful portrait miniature of a lady dates to the early 19th century, it was painted in 1812. The watercolor is on card and was painted by the talented British miniature portraitist artist Albin Roberts Burt (b 1783 – d 1842).

THE ARTIST
‘Burt was born on the 1 December 1783, probably in Wales, the son of Harry Burt and his wife Mary (nee Roberts). His brother, Henry Frederick Burt, was secretary to Lord Nelson and his mother was a friend of Emma Hamilton.’
‘Burt began life as an engraver, and was a pupil of Robert Threw and Benjamin Smith. He exhibited “churches” and ‘historical subjects’ at the Royal Academy in 1807 and 1830.’
‘Burt is said to have painted easel portraits of many eminent persons, including a grand piece showing Lady Hamilton as Britannia, unveiling a portrait of Nelson. In view of the association of Burt’s family with Nelson and Lady Hamilton, this portrait may well have been painted from life.’

Ref: Sue Mckechnie (1978). British Silhouette Artists and their Work 1760 – 1860 . London : Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd for Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications . p 379-380.

The painting is housed behind flat glass in its original black papier mache frame. The watercolor is signed just below the bust line in pencil reading ‘A. R. Burt.’ The painting is also signed and dated verso by the artist for the year 1812, unable to decipher the sitter's name.

Measuring: Frame width 4 inch (10 cm) by height (5 inch). Aperture width 2.25 inch (5.5 cm) by height 2 5/8 inch (7 cm).

Condition: Not pristine, showing its age. Aging to paper surface you can see it has darkened with age. A slight smudge to the back of her bonnet, probably from hanging on old damp English walls over the centuries. A few surface chips to the top and corners of the frame all commensurate with age.