Maria D'Oyly Bird
by W. Allison, signed & dated 1821.

Marian D'Oyly Bird (born 1814) the daughter of Judge Shearman Bird and his wife, Louisa, was born in India. She was christened at Fort St. George, Madras in 1814. The Birds were part of the "D'Oyly Circle" in Bengal. Sir Charles D'Oyly was Marion's godfather. Close friend and resident artist, George Chinnery painted both families many times. This miniature, which descended in the Bird and D'Oyly families, was sold at Christie's London, 1988 with a double miniature of Sir Charles and Lady D'Oyly.

Set in an ebonized wood frame with gilt metal mount.

3 7/8 inches (9.9 cm) high.

W. Allison (fl 1816-1821) , a rare artist, worked in Southampton and London, where he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1817. His sitters included the Duchess of Kent.

Provenance: The Bird and D'Oyly families.
Christie's, November 1988, lot 92.
Private Collection, London.

Literature: Conner, George Chinnery, 1742-1852, Artist of India and the China Coast, p. 295 note 18, where this miniature is cited.