Lot 114: Miniature Portrait of King George V attrib. Downey c. 1910

Attrib. William Downey (English, 1829-1915) watercolor portrait miniature of King George V of England, depicted bust length, in military regalia, circa 1910. Matted and housed under glass in an oval gilt silver frame hallmarked for London, 1907-1908, maker's mark worn. Sight: 2 3/8"H x 2"W (62 x 51 mm). Frame: 2 3/4"H x 2 3/8"W (70 x 60 mm). Note: King George V (1865-1936) succeeded his father, Edward VII, to the British throne in 1910, possibly the same year this portrait was painted. He was born during the reign of his grandmother, Queen Victoria. George V was succeeded upon his death in 1936 by his son Edward VIII, who abdicated. Artist 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 the Royal Family, notably on the picture frames for the Royal Collection Trust.

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 miniature portraits of the Royal Family, also in this auction.

CONDITION: Portrait is in overall very good condition with possible 1/8" area of clouding or rubbing lower right quadrant near edge (may be dust). Not examined out of frame. Significant dust accumulation is visible to edges. Small trapped piece of debris under glass, upper right edge. Frame exhibits wear to gilding.