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1 of 253523 objects
Charles Fielding (1740-1783) 1773?
Watercolour on ivory | 4.4 x 3.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 422082
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Charles Feilding (1740-83) was the grandson of Basil Feilding, 4th Earl of Denbigh. He was a Captain in the Royal Navy and is depicted here in navy uniform. The miniature may have been given to his mother-in-law, Lady Charlotte Finch (1725–1813), governess to the royal children, whose daughter he married in 1772. Lady Charlotte also owned an oval gold pendant, containing hair on both sides, and engraved: Charles Feilding, died 11 Jany 1793, aged 42, and on the reverse: LA MORT QUI NOUS A SEPARÉE NOUS REUNIRA (death which has separated us will reunite us). An engraving of the portrait was published in 1780 in celebration of Feilding's capture of a Dutch merchant fleet off the Isle of Wight earlier that year. He was wounded in 1783 and died from gangrene some months later.
Jeremiah Meyer (1735-89) was born in Germany and his father was portrait painter to the Duke of Württemberg. He came to England about 1749 and studied under the artist Christian Friedrich Zincke. Meyer was commissioned to paint the King's miniature portrait, set in an oval of diamonds in the pearl bracelet given to Princess Charlotte as an engagement present. He also drew the King's profile for the new coinage which earned him a gold medal from the Society of Arts in 1761. He was appointed Miniature Painter to the Queen and Enamel Painter to the King in 1764. A founder member of the Royal Academy, he exhibited miniatures, enamels and watercolour drawings from 1769 to 1783. When he died, according to a contemporary, Charlotte Papendiek, Meyer's widow sent his remaining miniatures, including portraits of the royal family, to the sitters without making a charge. The Queen was so pleased that 'she liberally rewarded Mrs Meyer for her honourable conduct'.
The miniature is mounted as a gold bracelet engraved on the reverse: Charles Feilding Esqre 1773.Provenance
Finch collection; presented to Queen Mary in 1933
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory
Measurements
4.4 x 3.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
4.2 x 3.5 cm (sight)
11.6 x 8.9 cm (frame, external)