[Alexander Walker Scott & Helenus Scott], 1808 / watercolour miniature by W.J. Thomson

MIN 356

fonds

1808 (dated lower left)

Graphic Materials, Watercolours

80878

Drawings - 8.5 x 7 cm (sight) in a wooden frame 19.5 x 18.4 cm - 1 watercolour on ivory miniature in ebonised wooden frame with a square brass slip and a clasp at top centre of frame for hanging

Based on the age of the sitters, it is likely that the portraits are of Alexander Walker (b. 1800) and Helenus (b. 1802). Robert Scott would be 9 years old in 1808.
This Scott family miniature, and four others (MINs 352, 353, 354 & 355), were acquired from a presumed descendant of Rose Scott (provenance has not been traced). On the reverse of MIN 355 is an exhibition label, [National Art Gallery] Art Loan Exhibition, 1897, in which Miss Rose Scott is said to be the owner of five miniatures displayed in this exhibition - no's. 533-537.
This miniature appears to be no.535 in the Art Loan Exhibition.

At lower left of watercolour is inscribed "W.J. Thomson / Pinxt 1808"
On reverse on backing paper is inscribed "Miniature by F. Johnson 1809 of R [written over H] + A Scott"
On reverse on a pasted label is a handwritten inscription, "Miniature by Miss Sharp [crossed out and written over with] F Johnson - R + A W Scott / Lent by R Scott Pt. Piper Rd"
F. Johnson is a mis-reading of the signature on the watercolour