This miniature of Admiral Lord Nelson was painted, seven years after his death at Trafalgar by Bone in July 1812 following the lines of an original portrait by Arthur Devis. The highlight of a selection of miniature at Bearne’s summer sale, it had been consigned by a local woman and its appeal both to fans of Bone miniatures and Nelson memorabilia ensured an exceptional price of £12,500 against an estimate of £4000-5000.
Another portrait miniature which stirred the room was an unsigned,
untitled example of an armoured
gentleman whose long curling hair, blue sash and lace jabot dated it to the 17th century and, possibly, an Irish origin. Framed in disintegrated shagreen, the miniature was contested to £1950 against expectations of £400-600.
£12,500 Nelson outranks artist
In the portrait miniature market the sitter is considered less important than the painter – but sometimes even a famous artist like Henry Bone, enamellist to the Prince Regent and the author of this miniature, right, can be superseded by their subject.
