SAMUEL ANDREWS

(1767?-1807)

Portrait of a young man in profile

Watercolor and gouache, en grisaille, oval 9 x 7,2 cm.

Gilded circle metal mount in black wood frame, 12 x 14,5 cm.

A superb miniature portrait, done en grisaille, by Samuel Andrews. The painting is wonderfully executed.

This beautiful portrait is identified on the back, unfortunately the writing is not easy to read.

Samuel Andrews (1767 -1807) began his career as a miniaturist in England, and moved to Madras, India in 1791, then moving in 1795 to the same house previously occupied by John Smart. They possibly lived together or shared a studio, but regardless Smart was of great influence to Andrews and the two men must have shared client commissions as so many of their works relate to each other. It also appears that they painted miniature portraits of each other.

Andrews later moved to Calcutta where he painted some of his most celebrated profiles en grisaille. These demonstrate his attention to detail, particularly when creating highlights and depth. Andrews favoured Chinese white to add touches of light to sitters’ dress. His style clearly developed over his relatively long career, with obvious improvements in his depiction of dress by the early nineteenth century.

Andrews died in Patna, India in 1807. His paintings are sought after and are exhibited in many museums.



BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Bénézit, Schidlof, Long, Jackson, Mackechnie, Foskett.