BERNARD LENS 1682-1740 – A portrait miniature of Ralph Littlehales, of Dawley, Shropshire, watercolour, probably on ivory, signed with monogram, BL, in gold, 2 inches x 1.75 inches, contained within a gilt metal oval frame (unexamined out of frame).
Ralph Littlehales was the grandfather of Jane Littlehales, wife of John Vaughan (1770-1852) of Chilton Grove, Co. Salop, m. 20th October 1790. Bernard Lens (III) 1682-1740, was the leading miniaturist from 1710-1740, and although possibly self-taught had many aristocratic and royal pupils. He is considered to be the first British miniaturist to work on ivory. Nannau Schedule of Contents 1958 (Case of Miniatures-M13).
Scan and Information Courtesy of Tamlyns.
