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| Self portrait of Samuel Raven, c. 1816. Held at Birmingham Museum. |
Samuel Raven (c. 1774-1847) was a painter, particularly known for adorning papier mâché snuff boxes. It is thought that he worked for the japanner Henry Clay, before branching out on his own in about 1815, although the plain papier mâché boxes were probably bought from Clay.
He seems to have been admired for his skill, as on 21 February 1820 the following article appeared in Aris's Gazette:
His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, after having personally expressed himself to S. Raven that he was highly gratified with the Segar [sic] Case lately presented to him, was pleased to command that Portraits should be taken, by the same Artist, of his Royal Highness and the late Duke of Kent; which being now finished may be seen previous to their transmission to Kensington Palace, at Mr. Cooke's, Carver and Gilder, New Street.
