This is a copy by Henry Bone (1755-1834) of Annibale Carracci’s Il Silenzio (The Silence) (RCIN 404762) bought for the Royal Collection by George III. In 1812, the painting was sent to London for Bone to copy, a task which took him two years.

Bone was born in Truro in Cornwall, the son of a woodcarver and cabinet maker, and began his artistic career painting on china for local manufacturers. In about 1779, he moved to London, where he became established as one of the most outstanding enamellists of his day. His children and grandchildren also became miniaturists. He painted designs for lockets, watches and jewellery. He was principally a copyist and his large-scale enamels were based on paintings by Old Masters and leading contemporary artists. He exhibited over 240 items at the Royal Academy between 1781 and 1832, when his eyesight began to fail. He was appointed enamel painter to the future George IV in 1801, before holding the same position to George III from 1809, and later George IV and William IV. Bone could obtain top prices for his work – in 1811 he received 2,200 guineas for his framed Bacchus and Ariadne. He was described by a contemporary as a ‘worthy, kind, liberal and affectionate man’.

The miniature is signed and dated on the lower right HBone 1814, and inscribed by the artist on the reverse in purple paint: London / March 1814 / Painted for His R.H. the Prince Regent by Henry Bone R.A. / Enamel painter in Ordinary to His Majesty and Enamel / painter to His R.H. after the Original by Annibale Carracche / in His Majesty’s Collection at Windsor.