An 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman wearing blue coat, painted in watercolour on ivory

Set in a gold frame with plaited hair reverse

Edward Miles became an errand boy to a surgeon who encouraged him in drawing. In 1771, he went to London and entered the Royal Academy Schools. He was appointed Miniature Painter to the Duchess of York in 1792 and to Queen Charlotte in 1794. He was Court Painter to the Tsar in St Petersburg from 1797 to 1806. He finally settled in Philadelphia, where he became a founder member of the Academy.

Although the sitter's identity has not been found it is likely that the portrait dates from circa 1790/94 - during which time he was working in London and before his journey to Russia.