SAMUEL SHELLEY (BRITISH 1750-1808) Portrait miniature of a young Gentleman wearing a blue coat with gold buttons and black collar, white waistcoat and red vest, frilled lace cravat Signed Sam. Shelley and inscribed 6 George Street, Henrietta Square on the original backing card verso Watercolour on ivory Original gold frame, the reverse glazed to reveal the signature within a gold mount and ivory border Oval, 70mm (2 3/4in) high Exhibited: Comerford Collection at the Irish Architectural Archives, Dublin, 2009 Literature: The Comerford Collection: Portrait Miniatures, (privately published, Dublin, 2009) pp 12, 63 (#286r & 186v). Shelley was, for the most part, self-taught as an artist. His first exhibition was at the Society of Artists in 1773. On 21st March the following year he entered the Royal Academy Schools (his age recorded as 17), where he became influenced by the work of Sir Joshua Reynolds. During his career Shelley painted in oil, illustrated books, and engraved several of his own works, but he is most particularly remembered for his watercolour miniature portraits. During his lifetime he exhibited at the Royal Academy, at the Society of Artists and at the British Institute. In The Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 104 (London, 1808), it is recorded that Samuel Shelley died in his house at George Street, Hanover Square. This address can be found on the reverse of this miniature, "of the first eminence as a miniature painter".