Elizabeth Churchill by Richard Cosway, R.A.,
 inscribed, signed & dated 1799.

  This is probably a portrait of Elizabeth Churchill (1783-1867) daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Churchill, of Newton Abbot, Devon.  Elizabeth never married.  In the 1861 England Census, a the age of 78, she was living with a servant in Kingsbridge, Devon.  Elizabeth listed her profession as "gentlewoman." Cosway, a native of Devon, made frequent visits home. 
 
In graphite and washes on paper.  Signed with monogram and dated on the obverse, fully inscribed on the reverse "Elizabeth Churchill/Etatis - 16./ R. Cosway/ Pinxt./ 1799". 
 
This previously unknown portrait drawing was called by Dr. Stephen Lloyd, Senior Keeper of Pictures at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and author of Richard and Maria Cosway, Regency Artists of Taste and Fashion, "one of Cosway's loveliest portrait drawings."
 
Set in a period gilt wood frame.
 
4  3/4 inches (12 cm) high.
 
Richard Cosway, R.A. (1740-1821) was one of the finest, and certainly the most notorious eighteenth century English miniaturist.  Painter to, and confidant of the Prince of Wales, Cosway exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1770-1806. His clientele included the most dazzling personalities of Georgian England; his salon was legendary. Cosway was married to fellow artist, Maria Hadfield, an Anglo-Florentine beauty who was the object of Thomas Jefferson's affections while he was in Paris.  Cosway's captivating works may be seen in virtually every important collection.