A miniature by John Smart, £15,000 at Kinghams.
Signed and dated JS 1788 I, meaning it was painted while Smart was plying his lucrative trade in India, the watercolour was in a 2½in (6.4cm) tall gold frame with a woven hair panel to the reverse.
Family information and research indicates the sitter was Sarah Anne Fane (nee Sarah Anne Child 1764-93), Countess of Westmorland.
Entered into Kinghams’ April 23 jewellery sale, it was in good condition with only very minor rubbing towards the edges.
Estimated at £4000-6000, it sold to a private UK bidder at £15,000.
