Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

An early 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman, attributed to Christian Friedrich Zincke, circa 1710-20, facing left, wearing blue velvet jacket, white frilled cravat, with full bottomed powdered wig, the reverse erroneously labelled ‘Lord Ashburton’ on a 19th century printed paper label, enamel on copper, within frame (reverse lacking), length 43mm. £2,000-£3,000

Christian Frederick Zincke (1683/4-1767) was born in Dresden, the son of a goldsmith. He came to England in 1706 at the invitation of Swedish enamellist Charles Boit, and studied enamel painting as his pupil. However he soon outstripped his master and set up on his own as a miniaturist. He developed a thriving business, and, promoted by Godfrey Kneller, won himself a distinguished clientele and royal patronage. As a German speaker, he was one of the few artists King George II would tolerate. In 1732, he was appointed Cabinet Painter to Frederick, Prince of Wales, the King’s eldest son. By 1752, with his eyesight failing, he had retired, only painting for his own pleasure.

For similar examples of his portrait miniatures, see the Rosalind & Arthur Gilbert Collection, on loan at the V & A and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.