Thomas Forster (?Northumberland c.1677-1712)

Forster became an expert practitioner in the seventeenth century tradition of miniature portraiture using a form of black lead known as 'plumbago', originally developed as preparatory studies for engravings, but subsequently valued as unique works of art in themselves. Plumbagos were introduced into England by Dutch and English artists returning home following the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. The present drawing, like a portrait of George St. Lo of 1704 (British Museum, London), depicts a dignified gentleman in a flowing wig, in the same highly-detailed and finished manner.This monochrome format was initially more highly valued on the Continent until artists such as David Loggan (1635-1700), Robert White (1645-1703) and Forster popularised the method in England.