Lot 113: William Downey Portrait Miniature, Princess Mary

Rare William Downey (English, 1829-1915) watercolor portrait miniature of Mary, Princess Royal of England, at about age 14, circa 1911, depicted bust length in three-quarter view, wearing a white dress with blue bows and pearls. Matted and housed under glass in a gilt-silver oval frame with hallmarks for London, 1900-1901, maker's mark G–(partly obscured). Sight: 2 3/4" H x 2 1/4" W (72 x 57 mm) x Frame: 3 1/16" H x 2 5/8" W (78 mm x 65 mm). Housed in a later red case with silk and velvet lining. Note: Mary, Princess Royal of England and Countess of Harewood (1897-1965) was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. Her older brothers included Edward VIII, who would abdicate the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, and George VI, who ascended to the throne in his place. Mary was the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II. Her first state appearance was at the coronation of her parents in June of 1911, around the time this portrait was likely painted. Biography: William Downey was known as "the Queen's Photographer" for his longtime professional relationship with Queen Victoria, her family, and friends. In addition to photography, he was known to have produced a limited number of miniature watercolor portraits for members of the English royal family. William Downey operated a studio along with his brother Daniel from about 1855 until Daniel's death in 1881. By 1910, William's sons, William Edward and Arthur J.H. Downey, had joined the family business, and Arthur is also known to have painted royal portraits. Goldsmith Louis Charles Wilmott worked extensively for Edward VII, notably on the picture frames for the Royal Collection Trust.

PROVENANCE: Provenance: The estate of Warren Thompson, Nashville, Tennessee, purchased from antique dealers Paul Stamas and Dan Wilson of Norfolk, VA circa 1980, along with two other portrait miniatures of the Royal Family attributed to Downey, also in this auction.

CONDITION: Painting in overall excellent condition with some slight smudging around outer edge of wafer in some areas. There are a few minuscule spots of trapped debris under the glass and over subject's face/lips, which do not appear to have affected the paint. Not examined out of frame. Frame has some wear to gilding.