Featured Researching miniature portrait

I’ve been trying to research this portrait miniature of a young boy:




The painting appears to be signed “Harold Cox” and dated 1913. Now, I’ve found mention in a Montreal newspaper of a miniature painter with this name, who was living in Toronto (close to where this portrait was found) in 1918, so he must be the guy. Problem is, other than this brief passing mention, I can find nothing else about this artist! He was clearly an accomplished professional, judging by the quality of his work and the newspaper referring to him as a “miniature painter”, yet I can’t find another example of his artwork. So, I’m wondering, are there any online databases for artists that you would recommend? I’m new to researching art so could use some pointers. Thanks!

 

Maybe you could contact Heffel or Waddingtons to see if they know the name.

 

Yeah, good luck on that, those guys only know names if they begin with the letters "$$$$$"

 

It's unlikely they'd want it for consignment, but they might be able to suggest a resource... if you catch them in a good mood.

 

There's this Harold Cox. But scene is British and not an uncommon name.

https://artpriceindex.ca/artist/2330557/Harold-Cox/

Debora

 

Thanks, Debora, but I think this is a different Harold Cox.

 

But... wait a minute... an Google Images search brings up lots of works by a Harold Cox. Some landscapes but others portraits. A British artist. Wonder if same one.

Debora

 

(Sorry, didn't see your post before posting the above.)

 

It may just be the lads name and what he looked like in 1913. A very charming image. Does it open to look on the back?

James.

 

He's a lovely little boy .

 

Hmmm, I wonder if this might be the name of the child and not the artist. Just a thought. Whoops, didn't see roaring20's post. But, it is possible and he is adorable. There is a Harold Cox that was born in 1909 which would make the little guy about 4 years old at the time so maybe.

 

That is a possibility. And four would be right-ish.

Debora

 

Good thinking, but the child seems to be “J.G.W. Jr.”.

 

Yes, I checked but there’s nothing on the back.

 

Ah... Someone withheld information.

Debora

 

What a darling! Hope you find some info soon!
Leslie

 

Well, I guess that makes quite a difference.

 

Sorry, it just didn’t occur to me that the name on the painting would be anything other than the artist’s signature. Never thought to mention the child’s initials.

 

That's because you knew the frame carried the child's monogram. We didn't.

Debora

 

Yes, I should’ve mentioned this from the start. Sorry I didn’t.