Portraits in disguise - NPG 4905
Portraits in the Characters of the Muses in the Temple of Apollo
by Richard Samuel
exhibited 1779
NPG 4905
The
sitters wear classical flowing gowns and some hold accessories
denoting the Muses they represent.
Standing, left to right
-
Elizabeth Carter (1717-1806), poet and writer.
-
Anna Letitia Barbauld (1743-1825), writer.
-
Elizabeth Anne Sheridan (née Linley) (1754-92),
singer, standing centrally with a lyre, representing Terpsichore,
muse of choral song and dance.
-
Hannah More (1745-1833), religious writer.
-
Charlotte Lennox (1720-1804), writer.
Seated, left to right
-
Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807), painter, at her easel.
-
Catherine Macaulay (1731-91), historian, seated on step
with roll of parchment.
-
Elizabeth Montagu (1720-1800), writer and leader of
society. Her cousin by marriage said she was 'the most accomplished
lady he ever saw'
-
Elizabeth Griffith (1720?-93), playwright and novelist,
seated with tablet, representing Calliope, the muse of epic poetry.
The Sharp Family
'A' and 'C' wear riding habits consisting of a jacket with full skirts. The waistcoat fronts are probably false. The general feel is masculine helped the by a cravat, wide revers and tricorne hat, with feathers to lend a feminine touch. 'B' is probably wearing a looped up polonaise skirt, part of which can be seen on the bodice, the front of the bodice is one of contrasting colour. Tight sleeves end with engageantes (flounces). A shepherdess hat sets off the outfit.
by Johan Zoffany, 1779-1781
NPG L169 (Detail)
