HARDING, GEORGE PERFECT (1781-1853)

"John Russell, First Earl Of Bedford. K.G." (c.1825)
after Hans Holbein the Younger (c.1497-1543)
watercolour & gouache
17 x 14cm
signed lower left
*private collection, Sydney
 
Harding was a celebrated Georgian portrait painter & copyist. A longtime member and exhibitor at the Royal Academy, Harding was one of the most important and sought after English historical portrait copyists of the early 18th century. He was famous for his detailed interpretations (often miniatures) after several acclaimed artists of important classical figures from politicians, thinkers, aristocracy and royalty, many of which now are owned by the British Museum. 
 
This wonderful miniature portrait is of John Russell, who was not only the First Earl of Bedford, but the Comptroller (finance minister) for King Henry VIII, referenced by the holding of his wand of office. It was part of a series of three portraits of the Russell family; the first Earl Of Bedford, after three original portraits in the collection of the Duke Of Bedford in Wolburn Abbey, completed during Harding's stay around 1825. This particular miniature was copied from a work of Hans Holbein of the First Earl, which hangs in the North Corridor. The other two miniatures shown are in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.