Mary Russell Mitford

1 portrait

by John Lucas, after Benjamin Robert Haydon
oil on millboard, feigned oval, circa 1853 (1824)
14 in. x 12 1/4 in. (356 mm x 311 mm)
Purchased, 1875
Primary Collection
NPG 404

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Sitterback to top

Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855), Novelist and dramatist. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Benjamin Robert Haydon (1786-1846), History painter and diarist. Artist associated with 34 portraits, Sitter in 10 portraits.
John Lucas (1807-1874), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 32 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

Neither Haydon's original nor Lucas's modified copy were liked by Mary Mitford. 'Everybody detests the portrait', she wrote, also calling it 'the cook-maid thing of poor dear Haydon'.

Linked publicationsback to top

Bennett, Sue, Five Centuries of Women and Gardens, 2000 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 October 2000 to 21 January 2001), p. 95
Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 319
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 433