Euphemia ('Effie') Chalmers (née Gray), Lady Millais

Sitterback to top

• Euphemia ('Effie') Chalmers (née Gray), Lady Millais (1828-1897), Wife of John Ruskin and later of Sir John Everett Millais. Sitter in 3 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Thomas Richmond (1802-1874). Artist associated with 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The portrait was commissioned by Ruskin's father and the artist was given £20 in wine for it. After it had been shown at the Academy in 1851, Effie wrote to her mother: '...it is the most lovely piece of oil painting but much prettier than me. I look like a graceful Doll but John and his father are delighted with it'. She is wearing a gold and enamel bracelet brought for her by Ruskin in Geneva when they were on their way to Venice in 1849.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Marsh, Jan, Character Sketches: The Pre-Raphaelites, 1998
• Marsh, Jan, Insights: The Pre-Raphaelite Circle, 2005, p. 64
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 429