Samuel Cotes: A Master of Subtle Grace in the Age of Georgian Portraiture The world of 18th-century England, brimming with social change and burgeoning wealth, demanded a new visual language – one that captured not just likeness but also character, status, and the fleeting moments of aristocratic life. Within this vibrant landscape emerged Samuel Cotes (1734–1818), a British portrait painter whose quiet brilliance lies primarily in his exquisite miniature portraits and skillful use of crayons. Often overshadowed by his more flamboyant brother, Francis Cotes, R.A., Samuel’s contribution to th…