Lot 115: Portrait Miniature of King Edward VII, attrib. Downey

Attrib. William Downey (English, 1829-1915) watercolor portrait miniature of King Edward VII of England, depicted bust length in three-quarter view, in military regalia, circa 1907. Matted and housed under glass in a small sterling silver frame with hallmarks for Louis Wilmott, London, 1907. Sight: 1 1/4" H x 1" W (35 x 25 mm). Frame: 2 3/8" H x 2" W (60 x 50 mm). Note: Edward VII (1841-1910) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1901 until his death in 1910. The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, he was nicknamed "Bertie." He was succeeded by his son, George V. 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: 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 attributed to Downey, in this auction.

CONDITION: Wafer has warped slightly, leaving a gap at the edge of the mat. A couple of tiny flakes at lower right edge (in red coat area); some debris trapped upper right under glass. Otherwise very good condition. Not examined out of frame.