William 3rd Viscount Courtenay

Born near Tiverton, Devon, Richard Cosway became the most fashionable miniaturist in Regency England. William Courtenay was an important patron and both men shared a taste for lavish parties and fancy dress. Here, Courtenay wears ‘Van Dyck’ costume, named after the 17th-century Flemish painter.

Known as ‘Kitty’ to family and friends, Courtenay inherited Powderham Castle, near Exeter, in 1788. He left England in 1811 to live in America, and then Paris in 1825, where he spent the rest of his life. There has been much debate about his affair with the art collector William Beckford. Kitty’s homosexuality certainly contributed to him being shunned by society and forced to flee abroad.

Purchased with assistance from the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Art Fund and the Friends of RAMM and Reynolds Chard bequest, 2010.