A portrait miniature for sale by David Gibson, 1796. The military portrait miniature, detailing a young officer in a Light Infantry Unit. 

The sitter wears a blue coatee with red facings, winged epaulettes showing bugle-badges,and a 1796 pattern gorget, (issued in the year the portrait was executed), secured to the tunic buttons with dark blue silk.

The military portrait miniature is executed in watercolour on ivory, with a cross-hatched, hair-back reverse.

Size: 7cm x 6cm approximately. Gold frame slightly loose.

The Artist: Portrait miniaturist David Gibson was active for just a short period between 1788-1797, during which time he exhibited at The Royal Academy. The portrait miniature is signed and dated 1796, making it one of the last commissions Gibson undertook. Although not a prolific artist, Gibson had a good reputation, and was particularly noted for achieving soft pleasing tones.

Provenance: Sotheby's Bond Street,1978. Red dynamo-cataloging details fixed to reverse glass.