William Tassie Portrait Miniature
John Corse D. D.

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William Tassie (1777-1860)
John Corse D.D.
British: 1800
Portrait miniature cameo within gilt wooden oval mount
Maker’s name inscribed lower left:
“W. Tassie F[ecit]. 1800”
Wax or composition paste
3.75 x 2.75 inches, oval mount opening
5.75 x 4.75 inches, mount overall
7 x 6 inches framed, overall
Sold, please inquire as to the availability of similar items.

White raised-relief cameo portrait miniature of the Reverend John Corse (c. 1713-1782) as a three-quarter bust wearing a powdered wig and coat.  The maker's name and title are inscribed in the portrait on the lower edge.  Corse evidently was a Scottish minister holding a doctorate of divinity degree.

The portrait is set within a black-painted oval recess in a rectangular gold leaf mount.  It has blueback paper on the back with the original presentation as a gift in manuscript.  The whole is set in a molded wooden frame.

William Tassie was the nephew of the Scottish medallion maker James Tassie (1735-1799).  Born in London, he was trained by his uncle to model gems, cameos and medallions, which were generally cast in composition paste.  James Tassie's business was a successful competitor to Wedgwood when William Tassie took it over.  He continued in a similar vein and added his own designs until he retired in 1840.  His works are in the collections of the National Gallery of Scotland and Britain's National Portrait Gallery.

Inscribed in the bottom portion: “John Corse D.D./ Died at Glasgow Feb. 1782 Aged 68.”

Manuscript on frame, verso:  “Rev[?] Mr James Innes [?] – This modell [sic.] of a late Rev Doctor John Corse of Glasgow presented by his affectionate & obliged Friend Hugh Cross/ Glasgow 10th Sept 1801.”

Reference:

Williamson, George C., ed. Bryan's Dictionary of Painters and Engravers.  London: G. Bell and Sons: 1930.  Vol. 5, p. 153.