Bidspirit auction | 1780 Richard Cosway 'Portrait of

1780 Richard Cosway 'Portrait of the Countess of Leitrim' (Signed) - This portrait miniature is a watercolor on an oval support, likely ivory, depicting a young woman identified as the Countess of Leitrim. The subject is portrayed in a three-quarter view with short, curled light brown hair and blue eyes. She wears a cream-colored chemise with a blue wrap draped over her left arm, her right hand resting near her collarbone. The miniature is housed under glass in a brass bezel, set within a rectangular black lacquered frame. The frame is surmounted by a gilded metal hanger in the form of an oak leaf and acorn. The verso features two separate handwritten labels. A larger cream-colored paper label is adhered to the back of the frame, inscribed in black ink with ”Countess Leitrim” followed by ”R. Cosway.” and a decorative scroll. A second, smaller orange paper slip is placed behind the miniature support, visible when the backing is partially lifted, and bears the inscription ”Countess of Leitrim R. Cosway. 1780.”. Based on the ruler included in the images, the frame measures approximately 4.75 inches in height and 4 inches in width. 4.75 x 4 in. The portrait miniature itself appears well-preserved with no visible fading or loss to the watercolor. The brass bezel shows some surface oxidation and darkening consistent with age. The black lacquered frame exhibits heavy crazing and a network of fine cracks across the entire surface (photo 1). There is visible chipping to the lacquer at the edges and corners, particularly on the left side (photo 1). The paper label on the reverse shows yellowing and minor staining (photo 3). The orange paper slip is creased where it has been tucked into the frame (photo 4). As an antique object, these characteristics are consistent with its age and period of production.