Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire

Sitterback to top

• Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (1757-1806), Beauty and leader of Whig society; first wife of 5th Duke of Devonshire. Sitter in 29 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 1413 portraits, Sitter associated with 38 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Born at Althorp, Northamptonshire, Georgiana was the eldest daughter of the 1st Earl Spencer, and she is seen in this portrait at about the age of four. In 1774 she married the 5th Duke of Devonshire, the most eligible bachelor in England. She quickly became a celebrity whose every movement was followed by the press and whose dress set the fashion. Not only did she preside over the most influential salon of the time but she was also an energetic supporter of Whig party. Unhappy in her marriage, the Duchess was addicted to gambling and became pregnant by her lover Charles Grey. Sent into exile by the Duke, she returned from France after three years and slowly regained her position of influence within politics.

Related worksback to top

• NPG D9192: (Margaret) Georgiana Spencer (née Poyntz), Countess Spencer; Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (related to)
• NPG D41998: (Margaret) Georgiana Spencer (née Poyntz), Countess Spencer; Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (related to)
• NPG D41999: (Margaret) Georgiana Spencer (née Poyntz), Countess Spencer; Georgiana Cavendish (née Spencer), Duchess of Devonshire (related to)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 144
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 176
• Simon, Jacob, The Art of the Picture Frame: Artists, Patrons and the Framing of Portraits in Britain, 1997 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 November 1996 - 9 February 1997), p. 64

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Beningbrough Hall
• Children