Lot 36: Augustus Toussaint (British, c.1750-c.1795)

A Gentleman, wearing black coat, white stock and cravat
signed on obverse with initial T, gilt-metal frame
Oval, 41mm. (1 5/8ins.) high

Toussaint, the son of a jeweller, was apprenticed to James Nixon prior to 1766. The present lot is clearly in a style very close to Nixon's work, even down to the signature of a single initial, showing the strong influence he must have had over his pupil. As well as painting miniatures, Toussaint designed elaborate frames and was employed by John Smart to make several, including one to house the portrait of his son John, who died in infancy.