George Howard (1773–1848), Lord Morpeth

Art Historical Context

This delicate miniature portrait captures George Howard, later known as Lord Morpeth and the 6th Earl of Carlisle, as a boy. Painted on ivory in an oval format measuring just 2 by 1 5/8 inches, the work exemplifies the intimate scale of eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century portrait miniatures. Such pieces were often created as personal keepsakes, exchanged among family members or close friends to preserve a likeness during times of separation. Richard Collins, the artist, worked within the refined tradition of British miniature painting, where the luminous surface of ivory allowed for fine detail and subtle coloring. The small size made these portraits easy to carry or display in private settings, highlighting their role as both art and sentimental objects. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the bequest of Millie Bruhl Fredrick in 1962, the piece now offers visitors a glimpse into the personal world of a young aristocrat destined for a prominent political career.