Portrait artist name

[Rhododendron]

That looks very promising, Watson.  I think you may have hit the nail on the head.

[Kendra71]

Hi Watson - nice work! Yes, I think it is the same John Stavely who sat for Joseph Wright. (the Father Christmas beard is additional evidence!). Richard French is an interesting thought. Whoever he was, I'm finding it surprisingly difficult to ID a portrait artist of the time named French.
Very best wishes

[Watson]

I have found some evidence that Captain Richard French may have been the painter.  He was described in Midland History (Vols 4 - 5, 1977, p. 227) as "scholar and amateur of art".

He also sat for Wright in another well-known painting.  He died at Markeaton Hall, Derbyshire, in 1801.  His will was proved in P.C.C., and his pedigree is to be found in Glover's work on Derbyshire.

[Kendra71]

That's impressive. The Frenchs certainly moved in artistic circles. Joseph Wright also painted a portrait of Captain French's wife Millicent Mundy, and George Stubbs painted her dog as "Portrait of Mrs. French’s White Lap Dog".

[shanreagh]

Looks like I W French to me. 

[Treetotal]

I see J.W. too. The J looks the same shape as the J in John but smaller.
Carol

[Gadget]

Compare the M with the N. The initial loop was  how they used to write M and N. The J is far bigger.

I have found some evidence that Captain Richard French may have been the painter.  He was described in Midland History (Vols 4 - 5, 1977, p. 227) as "scholar and amateur of art".

He also sat for Wright in another well-known painting.  He died at Markeaton Hall, Derbyshire, in 1801.  His will was proved in P.C.C., and his pedigree is to be found in Glover's work on Derbyshire.

Good find, Watson.

[Treetotal]

Now I look at it a second time, I am more convinced that it says Mr....if it was two initials, I would expect to see a full stop after each letter.
I would love to see the back of it.
Carol

[Kendra71]

Hi Carol, I only have these photos at the moment, sorry.