Watercolor on ivory, unsigned, with pearl necklace hair pin and pink gown, presented behind glass in a gold plated over copper locket.

Locket 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 in.

Collection of a Gentleman

Richard Crosse was born in Knowle, in the parish of Cullompton, Devon, and was deaf and mute. After winning a prize from the Society of Artists, he moved to London where he exhibited at the Society of Artists (1760-1761), and at the Royal Academy (1770-1796).

In 1788, he was appointed Painter in Enamel to George III. Crosse also became proficient as an enamelist, and a portrait painter on ivory and in oil, and seldom signed his work. Richard lived with one of his brothers in London, whom liaised with clients on his behalf.

In his personal life, Richard never married and reportedly was was deeply in love with his cousin, Miss Sarah Cobley, who refused him. Heartbroken and years later, in 1807, he saw her for the last time as she died the following day from illness. By this time Crosse had retired to Wells, Somerset and he died there in May 1810 at the age of sixty-eight.

Good estate condition; some rubbing and light scratches to locket.

LLA works in partnership with ARTA to fulfill shipments of most of the items we sell; ivory is not included. Alternative shipping vendors are available. Please contact our front office for a courtesy listing of local options.