I Think it is Fair to Say a Wonderful Pair of Small Watercolour with Truly Extraordinary Sitters

Painted on card, I think these portraits are a little too large to be called miniatures with the height of the aperture being approx 10cm they are housed in two same sized frames, but obviously not identical as they are made from completely different woods. Neither of the portraits are signed, but I feel certain they were painted by the same hand and I struggle to believe it is the hand of an amateur but if it was it is an extremely accomplished one. I believe the portraits from the clothes they are wearing would date to circa 1850. He is truly respondent in his blue chequered cravat, beneath which is a wonderful floral painted brooch holding together his jacket. His strawberry blond hair has quite an incredible hairline, and his blond eyelashes are a lovely detail as he stands in front of the white fluffy clouds in a blue sky. The Lady, I think it is fair to say somewhat less flamboyant in style, but I think the portrait portrays a soft and gentle strength to the her. Her dress looks like it is made from some stiff heavy cotton and it is constructed in segments almost like a Suit Armour and heightening this impression for me is the long silver chain hung around her neck. With again blue used for details in her bonnet, and her brooch.