Page 47 - Christmas 2018
P. 47
19th century portrait miniature of Miss Fitzgibbon with plaited hair and mountains in the background
By Robert Thorburn Circa 1840. H 5.5cm
H 2"
Thorburn a miniature-painter and associate of the Royal Academy, born at Dumfries in March 1818, was the son of a tradesman. He received his early education at Dumfries high school. He soon developed a love of art, and, owing to the kindness of a neighbouring lady, was at the age of fifteen sent to Edinburgh to draw at the academy, where he made rapid progress and gained distinction. About three years later he came to London and entered the classes of the Royal Academy. As a native of Dumfries he enjoyed the special patronage of the Duke of Buccleuch, whereby he obtained many commissions. Thorburn's success as a miniature-painter was soon secured, and for many years he shared the patronage of fashionable society with Sir William Charles Ross In 1846 he received his first commission from Queen Victoria; many followed.
Thorburn exhibited another version of this miniature (20 inches high) at the R.A. in 1848. (which is illustrated in Foskett, Collecting miniatures, p. 216)
5068 (1680578/570473/17) £ 2,000
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