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Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

(1718-1800), Writer and leader of society

Mid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 11 portraits
Elizabeth Montagu was a Shakespeare critic and salon hostess, patron of the arts, literary critic, and writer. She was christened 'Queen of the Blues' by the writer Samuel Johnson, in recognition of her role in bringing together a constellation of contemporary intellectuals. Her parents were both from wealthy families with strong ties to the British peerage and intellectual life. She married Edward Montagu, a wealthy man with extensive holdings in coal, to become one of the richest women of her era. Montagu devoted this wealth to fostering and promoting English and Scottish aspiring authors, and to the relief of the poor.

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Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson), by and published by John Raphael Smith, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D13746

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by and published by John Raphael Smith, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 10 April 1776 (1775)
NPG D13746

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson), by Charles Townley, published by  Jean Marc Pascal, after  Frances Reynolds - NPG D15311

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by Charles Townley, published by Jean Marc Pascal, after Frances Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 1 May 1784
NPG D15311

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson), by Thomas Cheesman, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D5284

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by Thomas Cheesman, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 26 May 1809 (1775)
NPG D5284

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson), by Thomas Cheesman, published by  T. Cadell & W. Davies, after  William Evans, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D13889

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by Thomas Cheesman, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Evans, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 26 May 1809 (1775)
NPG D13889

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson), by Robert Bowyer Parkes, published by  Henry Graves, after  Sir Joshua Reynolds - NPG D15243

Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by Robert Bowyer Parkes, published by Henry Graves, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published 1867 (1775)
NPG D15243

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Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson)

by Thomas Cheesman, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Evans, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
stipple engraving, published 26 May 1809 (1775)
NPG D19989

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