Fellows Auctioneers’ July 2020 Fine Jewellery sale is set to be one of the most intriguing auctions in recent years, with a fascinating and historic portrait miniature by John Smart featuring as one of many highlights. The alluring early 19th century framed item, dated 1807, depicts Frances Wilton, wife of Robert Chambers, who was the Chief Justice of Bengal. A similar portrait miniature by John Smart of Frances Wilton’s daughter sold for just under £30,000 at Duke’s Auctioneers in 2014.

An early 19th century framed portrait miniature
An early 19th century framed portrait miniature, by John Smart (1741-1811).

The reverse of the piece features a biography on the sitter. With an estimate of £1,800 - £2,500, this John Smart miniature features as Lot 440 in the sale. John Smart (1741– 1811) was one of the leading Georgian miniaturists. Known for his bright, meticulous watercolour miniatures on ivory, his preliminary sketches and drawings are also very popular. A great number of his works were passed down through his family, such as Lot 440 in Fellows’ Fine Jewellery auction, taking place on Thursday 23rd July.

Born in 1759, Frances Wilton was the only daughter of the sculptor Joseph Wilton, a founder member of the Royal Academy. She married Chambers on 8th March 1774 when she was sixteen. This portrait was completed near the end of John Smith’s life, and it shows a striking resemblance to the portrait of her daughter Annie completed the same year.

Nicola Whittaker, from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Our Fine Jewellery sale is full of historic portrait miniatures and this elegant item by John Smart is the pick of the bunch. The history behind this piece is fascinating and we have the full provenance listed on our website. John Smart was a brilliant miniaturist from the Georgian era and we expect this item to be sought-after in our upcoming sale.”