{"title":"Antique Portraits","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Window into History, Society and Art\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraits have long served as more than simple likenesses. They are enduring records of individuals, families and societies, capturing not only the appearance of the sitter but also their wealth, status, profession and aspirations. From the grandeur of aristocratic oil paintings to intimate miniature portraits, these works provide a fascinating insight into the people who shaped history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Nicholas Wells Antiques, we specialise in antique portraits spanning the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Whether depicting royalty, military figures, merchants or distinguished members of society, each portrait tells a unique story while serving as an exceptional work of art in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Origins of Portraiture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraiture has existed for thousands of years, from the remarkably lifelike funerary portraits of Roman Egypt to Renaissance masterpieces commissioned by Europe's ruling families. By the seventeenth century, portrait painting had become an established art form, with leading artists receiving commissions from monarchs, nobility and prosperous merchants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Britain's wealth expanded during the Georgian and Victorian periods, portraits became increasingly common in country houses, townhouses and civic buildings, documenting generations of families and their achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePortraits as Symbols of Status\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommissioning a portrait was an expensive undertaking. A successful artist could spend weeks or even months completing a single work, carefully capturing not only the sitter's features but also the luxurious fabrics, jewellery, furnishings and landscapes that conveyed social standing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany portraits include symbolic elements intended to communicate the sitter's identity:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooks representing learning and scholarship\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary uniforms denoting rank and service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassical columns symbolising strength and permanence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardens and parkland illustrating landed wealth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlobes and maps reflecting exploration or commerce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogs signifying loyalty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers representing virtue or youth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery object within the composition was carefully considered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBritain's Great Portrait Painters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritain produced some of the finest portrait artists in Europe during the eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSir Joshua Reynolds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the first President of the Royal Academy, Sir Joshua Reynolds transformed British portraiture by combining classical ideals with elegant compositions. His portraits of aristocrats, politicians and intellectuals established the fashionable \"Grand Manner\" style that dominated the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThomas Gainsborough\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelebrated for his fluid brushwork and luminous landscapes, Thomas Gainsborough created portraits that combined remarkable naturalism with effortless elegance. His sitters appear relaxed and graceful, often placed within idyllic countryside settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGeorge Romney\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Romney became one of London's most sought-after portrait painters, admired for his sensitive portrayals and refined compositions. His portraits of society figures remain among the highlights of Georgian art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSir Thomas Lawrence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Regency period, Sir Thomas Lawrence became Europe's leading portrait painter. His expressive brushwork and remarkable ability to capture personality made him the preferred artist of royalty, diplomats and military leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePortrait Miniatures\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside large oil paintings, portrait miniatures enjoyed enormous popularity from the sixteenth through the early nineteenth centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted in watercolour on ivory or vellum and housed within finely crafted gold cases, lockets or frames, these intimate works were exchanged as gifts, carried during travel or treasured as personal keepsakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany survive in exceptional condition and offer remarkable insight into the fashions and personalities of their age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePortraits in Country Houses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraits formed the visual history of Britain's great houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisitors walking through stately homes such as Chatsworth House, Blenheim Palace, Petworth House and Burghley House encounter galleries filled with generations of family portraits. Together, these collections document changing fashions, political alliances and artistic tastes across centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraits were carefully arranged to reinforce lineage, celebrate achievement and demonstrate the continuity of family estates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePortraits Beyond Britain\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraiture flourished across Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDutch artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Frans Hals became renowned for their psychological depth and expressive brushwork, while French painters including Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun captured the elegance of the royal court before the French Revolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Italy and Spain, portraiture similarly reflected the power and prestige of ruling dynasties, church leaders and influential patrons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollecting Antique Portraits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors are increasingly drawn to antique portraits for their artistic quality, decorative appeal and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether depicting an identified sitter or an unknown gentleman or lady, portraits offer:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal works by accomplished artists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutstanding decorative impact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInsight into costume and fashion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnections to local and national history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvestment in unique, irreplaceable works of art\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnonymous portraits, in particular, often represent exceptional value, allowing collectors to acquire museum-quality paintings at comparatively accessible prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCaring for Antique Portraits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil paintings require thoughtful care to preserve their beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid hanging portraits in direct sunlight or above fireplaces where fluctuating temperatures may damage the paint surface. Stable humidity, careful handling and occasional professional conservation will help ensure these works survive for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal carved giltwood frames are often as significant as the paintings themselves and should be preserved wherever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiscover Antique Portraits at Nicholas Wells Antiques\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Nicholas Wells Antiques, we offer a carefully selected collection of antique portraits chosen for their quality, character and historical interest. From elegant Georgian society portraits and distinguished military figures to intimate portrait miniatures and accomplished nineteenth-century works, each painting provides a direct connection to the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are furnishing a country house, creating a gallery wall or seeking a portrait with exceptional decorative presence, antique portraiture remains one of the most rewarding and enduring areas of collecting, combining artistry, history and timeless elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"indian-miniature-group-of-13-mughal-ruler-portraits","title":"Indian Miniature Group of 13 Mughal Ruler Portraits","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary and rare group of 13 Mughal Rulers each in court dress and facing left, right and straight on. All in ceremonial dress with jewels and some with ceremonial daggers in their waste bands.\u003cbr\u003eIndia, circa 1850\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiameter: 5 cms (2 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51241959850321,"sku":"13305","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_8b880441-2d72-460b-a83c-26523afa2501.png?v=1749507149"},{"product_id":"two-framed-indian-portrait-miniatures-of-mughal-rulers","title":"Two Framed Indian Portrait Miniatures of Mughal Rulers","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo framed Indian Portrait miniatures. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his Consort and Emperor Sultan Mirza and his Consort.\u003cbr\u003eIndia, 19th Century\u003cbr\u003eIndia, Circa 1850\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight (Framed): 20 cms (8 ins)\u003cbr\u003eHeight (Un-Framed): 10 cms (4 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth (Framed): 26 cms (10.3 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51242487152977,"sku":"13309","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_9bff23b0-3fe4-4528-baf3-5fccc83e4f5d.png?v=1749504895"},{"product_id":"portrait-of-a-lady-a-la-turque","title":"Portrait of a Lady à la Turque","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait of a Lady à la Turque – Paintings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn evocative late Georgian portrait depicting a lady dressed à la Turque, this fine oil painting reflects the fascination of English portraiture with exotic themes c.1790. Rendered with careful attention to costume and decorative detail, it is a striking example of Regency period taste, now conserved and presented in its original carved and giltwood frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1790\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Oil on canvas, carved and giltwood frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 103 cm (40.5 inches) high; 85.2 cm (33.5 inches) wide\u003cbr\u003eSight size: 77.5 cm (30.5 inches) high; 59.7 cm (23.5 inches) wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Retaining original gilding; recently and carefully conserved\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortraits of the period reveal the English elite’s enthusiasm for Turkish influences during the late eighteenth century, especially in the aftermath of the 1780s. This work is an excellent illustration of how Middle Eastern motifs permeated not only fine furnishings but also fashion, as evident in the sitter’s robe à la Turque and elaborate turban – attire which signified sophistication and cosmopolitan taste. Comparable examples reside in leading collections, charting the fusion of Orientalism within British art of the Regency era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpertly painted with crisp drapery and a softly modelled likeness, the subject holds a Greek flask, referencing the cross-cultural aesthetic cherished by the upper classes  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe original carved and giltwood frame boasts fine floral ornamentation, its patina contributing depth and authenticity to the display  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe sitter’s ornate headwear and richly patterned sash highlight the Neoclassical influence and the period’s distinctive attention to luxury and imaginative styling  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis English portrait is not only scarce in both its subject and survival, but boasts a highly desirable form and scale for collectors of Regency paintings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a focal piece, this painting would be well suited for display within a refined interior or addition to a distinguished portrait collection. Its harmonious blend of Georgian elegance and Oriental inspiration makes it both a decorative and historically relevant acquisition, encapsulating the allure of English portraiture from this seminal era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection CK10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51246998487377,"sku":"18408","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_1373c06f-13e7-448e-a361-473f13221392.png?v=1749587333"},{"product_id":"royal-james-i-carved-giltwood-cartouch-miniature-portrait-frame","title":"Royal James I Carved Giltwood Cartouch Miniature Portrait Frame","description":"\u003cspan style=\"color: #564334;\"\u003eAn important and rare early 17th century carved giltwood frame with the Royal Coat of Arms of James I, King of England (24 March 1603 - 27 March 1625) Surmounted by a Royal Tudor crown studded with 'pearls' and supported by elaborately carved foliage and floral detail asymmetrically carved across the frame. Now housing a period mirror plate possibly replacing an original portrait miniature. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\nJames VI inherited the English and Irish thrones in 1603 in the Union of the Crowns, and quartered the Royal Arms of England with those of Scotland. The Royal Arms of Ireland was added to represent the Kingdom of Ireland. Last used by Queen Anne, this was the final version of the Royal Arms of England before being subsumed into the Royal Arms of Great Britain.\n\nHeight 42cm 16.5in\nWidth 29cm 11.5in\n\nRoyal portraiture 1580-1625\n\nThe British Monarchy made great use of Portrait Miniatures, their small size was perfect for a personal gif...","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461193040209,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/s715307709555333464_p665_i5_w2500.jpg?v=1752741244"},{"product_id":"portrait-karo-and-child","title":"Portrait - Karo and Child","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait – Karo and Child\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA distinguished work from the Oceanic tradition, this evocative portrait depicts Karo and child with exceptional clarity and sensitivity. Dating from circa 1900, it reflects the period’s unique stylistic engagements with representation and indigenous subject matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Oceania\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Paper, watercolour or gouache  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height 15cm, Width 20cm  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Very good, minor restoration to paper edges\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece bears the hallmark of Josiah Martin, a noted maker celebrated for his sensitive portrayals of Oceanic life at the cusp of the 20th century. Comparable works can be found in prominent ethnographic collections, where they offer insights into colonial artistic exchanges and cross-cultural portraiture. The artwork provides an authentic glimpse into Oceanic daily life, echoing similar examples in revered institutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine rendering of facial expressions and attire, demonstrating skilled draughtsmanship and attention to cultural detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaptures an intimate moment between parent and child, highlighting the emotional resonance typical of period Oceanic portraits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoteworthy provenance linked to Josiah Martin, increasing its desirability and collectable appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact size ideal for collectors and display, fitting seamlessly into galleries or private study spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Oceanic portrait not only distinguishes itself through masterful technique but also through its historical context and documentary significance. Its rare subject, coupled with the recognised hand of Josiah Martin, marks it as a valuable addition to any serious portraiture or Oceanic art collection. With its balanced composition and expressive character, ‘Portrait – Karo and Child’ stands as an engaging example of early 20th-century Oceanic artistry, offering both aesthetic pleasure and academic interest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection ON10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461423006033,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/150-x-200-mm-scaled-1.jpg?v=1752743482"},{"product_id":"portrait-maori-women","title":"Portrait - Maori Women","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait – Maori Women\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking Oceanic artefact, this albumen print offers a vivid portrayal of two Maori women captured around the turn of the twentieth century. The photographic portrait embodies the expressive documentary style prevalent in the late Victorian period, providing a rare window into indigenous New Zealand life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: New Zealand\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Albumen print on paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 15 x 20.2 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent original surface, minor age toning consistent with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis historic photograph is closely aligned with the ethnographic interests of the era, when photographers such as Josiah Martin were documenting the peoples and cultures of the Pacific. Comparable works are held in the collections of institutions like Te Papa Tongarewa and the British Museum, reflecting the enduring significance of Oceanic portraiture within both artistic and anthropological study. The period’s fascination with naturalistic representation is evident here, marking this piece as both an artwork and a valuable cultural document.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely composed albumen print, showcasing rich tonal gradations and crisp details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoised and dignified depiction of Maori subjects in traditional attire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvocative of late nineteenth-century Oceanic visual culture, with particular emphasis on portraiture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarked with the photographer’s numbering (“635”), confirming its authenticity and place within a documented series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis portrait exemplifies the technical finesse of late Victorian photographic practice, including careful use of natural light and a sensitivity to the character of the sitters. The poised presentation and intimate framing highlight the regality and individuality of the Maori women, echoing the style of other esteemed ethnographic photographers of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts rarity and distinguished provenance heighten its appeal to collectors of Oceanic art, as such portraits seldom surface on the market in this size and condition. The scale is ideal for personal or curated display, making it equally suitable as a standalone highlight or as part of a broader collection focusing on historic photography or Oceanic heritage. This Portrait – Maori Women serves as both a compelling artwork and a tangible link to cultural history, merging artistic merit with documentary value for the discerning collector.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection ON10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461423661393,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/150-x-202mm-scaled-1.jpg?v=1752743488"},{"product_id":"portrait-sophia-maori-tribeswoman","title":"Portrait - Sophia - Maori Tribeswoman","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait – Sophia – Maori Tribeswoman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compelling albumen print from circa 1900, “Portrait – Sophia – Maori Tribeswoman” exemplifies Oceanic photographic portraiture at the turn of the twentieth century. This distinguished work captures the dignity and distinct cultural identity of a Maori woman, offering a rare insight into indigenous heritage through the lens of a renowned period photographer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: New Zealand, Josiah Martin\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Albumen print\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height 15cm x Width 20.3cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Very good, with authentic patina and minor age-related markings consistent with careful handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis photographic portrait can be favourably compared to important ethnographic studies housed in major museum collections, such as Te Papa Tongarewa and the British Museum. Josiah Martin, notable for his sensitive depictions of Maori subjects, played an influential role in documenting Oceanic cultures during the late Victorian era. His images not only served as vital historical records, but also contributed to the appreciation of Maori artistry and traditions in the wider world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional clarity and tonal range, showcasing Josiah Martin’s mastery of the albumen printing process  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenuine oceanic artefact, contemporaneous with late nineteenth-century efforts to preserve indigenous cultures on photographic media  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful compositional focus on Sophia’s expression and traditional adornment, underscoring the sitter’s individuality and social status  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectible due to the rarity of well-preserved Maori portraiture by noted colonial photographers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design significance lies in Martin’s balanced composition and the dignified presence of his subject, reflective of both documentary and artistic priorities. The print embodies ethnographic interest and period fashion, serving as a visual link to the Maori community at the time. Such portraits are highly sought after by collectors of Oceanic art and photographic history, representing both rarity and distinguished provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis photograph is ideal for display in private collections, academic settings, or alongside other examples of nineteenth-century Oceanic art. Its authentic period features, collectible value, and evocative subject matter make it a significant acquisition for connoisseurs of historic portraiture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection ON10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461424152913,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/150-x-203mm-scaled-1.webp?v=1752743493"},{"product_id":"portrait-maori-rewi-maniapoto","title":"Portrait - Maori Rewi Maniapoto","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait – Maori Rewi Maniapoto\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA distinguished Oceanic artwork from the turn of the twentieth century, this museum-quality photograph captures the renowned tribal leader Rewi Maniapoto. Executed in the evocative albumen print technique by Josiah Martin, this piece is exemplary of period portraiture in New Zealand and reflects late Victorian fascination with indigenous leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: New Zealand, Josiah Martin\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Albumen print on photographic paper  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 15 x 20 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent overall, with a subtle, even patina commensurate with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rare portrait stands as an important document of both Oceanic artistry and tribal heritage, situating itself alongside other significant photographs held in major ethnographic collections. Josiah Martin, a celebrated colonial-era photographer, was renowned for capturing the dignity and mana of Māori chiefs, making this piece especially sought-after by collectors interested in New Zealand history. The print powerfully represents both the sitter’s individuality and the broader historical narrative of Māori resistance and identity at the dawn of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuperior craftsmanship displayed through Martin’s deft use of the albumen process, providing rich detail and characterful tonal depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photograph exemplifies the austere elegance typical of late Victorian portraiture, set apart by its engaging naturalism and respect for its subject.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorically significant due to both its depiction of Rewi Maniapoto—a pivotal figure in the New Zealand Wars—and its creation by a photographer regarded for his sensitive ethnographic documentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly collectable due to its rarity, provenance, and desirable scale; such authentic Oceanic photographic portraits seldom appear on the market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for display in collections specialising in tribal art, Pacific history, or fine art photography, and makes an impressive focal point for any connoisseur of ethnographic image-making.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis portrait of Rewi Maniapoto is not only a compelling visual record but also an enduring testament to the artistic and cultural exchanges of its era. For those seeking a centrepiece in the field of Oceanic art, or wishing to enrich their appreciation of historic photography, this piece offers exceptional value and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection ON10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461424677201,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/150x200mm-scaled-145763_nobg-copyA.webp?v=1752743498"},{"product_id":"hand-painted-terracotta-bust-of-a-princess-of-aragon-after-francesco-laurana","title":"Portrait Bust of a Woman — After Francesco Laurana (ca. 1472)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Terracotta (painted and gilded)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e H 44.5 cm (17.5 in) × W 43.2 cm (17 in) × D 20.3 cm (8 in)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 1890\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis remarkable late 19th-century bust pays homage to one of the most celebrated female portrait busts of the Renaissance, originally attributed to Francesco Laurana (c. 1430–1502). The serene, downturned gaze, smooth modelling, and elegant courtly attire embody Laurana’s refined sculptural style, renowned for its fusion of idealised beauty and aristocratic poise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter has been \u003cstrong\u003etentatively identified as Ippolita Maria Sforza\u003c\/strong\u003e (1446–1484), wife of Alfonso II of Naples, although this attribution remains unconfirmed. This portrait belongs to a small group of nine female busts associated with Laurana, their stylistic resemblance linked to documented sculptures of the Virgin and Child created in Sicily. Closely related examples are held in major museum collections including The Frick Collection in New York and National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe marble original was formerly housed in Staatliche Museen zu Berlin but was tragically destroyed in 1945. Historical accounts record that it bore traces of rich polychromy and gilding, with delicately incised patterns on the gown and a cartouche likely bearing the sitter’s name. A small hole at the breast once held a metal brooch or pendant, completing the refined courtly ensemble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bust — exquisitely hand-painted and gilded in terracotta — preserves the quiet dignity and aristocratic grace of Laurana’s original. Its decorative base, featuring reclining classical figures and winged cupids, is characteristic of the sculptor’s elegant fusion of humanist ideals and courtly splendour. A superb collector’s piece, it stands at the intersection of Renaissance history and 19th-century craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52079779447121,"sku":null,"price":8000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/1_3f22b68f-aada-47c1-90b0-03f75c24d06d.webp?v=1760115330"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/s715307709555333464_p661_i8_w2500-1-1.webp?v=1783168527","url":"https:\/\/nicholaswells.com\/collections\/antique-portraits.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}