Elizabeth, Marchioness of Lothian; Jane, Duchess of Gordon; Henrietta, Countess of Bessborough; Isabella, Marchioness of Hertford

Identify sitters

by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published circa 1820
8 7/8 in. x 6 1/2 in. (226 mm x 164 mm) plate size; 9 3/4 in. x 7 1/2 in. (247 mm x 192 mm) paper size
Bequeathed by (Frederick) Leverton Harris, 1927
Reference Collection
NPG D15274

Sittersback to top

Henrietta Frances ('Harriet') Ponsonby (née Spencer), Countess of Bessborough (1761-1821), Noblewoman. Sitter in 9 portraits. Identify
Jane Gordon (née Maxwell), Duchess of Gordon (1748 or 1749-1812), Political hostess and agricultural reformer. Sitter in 7 portraits. Identify
Isabella Anne Seymour-Conway (née Ingram), Marchioness of Hertford (1760-1834), Courtier and mistress of King George IV; second wife of 2nd Marquess of Hertford. Sitter in 6 portraits. Identify
Elizabeth Kerr (née Fortescue), Marchioness of Lothian (1745-1780), Wife of William John Kerr, 5th Marquess of Lothian. Sitter in 5 portraits. Identify

Artistsback to top

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 1415 portraits, Sitter associated with 39 portraits.
Samuel William Reynolds (1773-1835), Mezzotint engraver and painter. Artist associated with 629 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Madame D'Arblay Diary, 1778-1840 (volume 5, part 1)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1820back to top

Current affairs

George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.
'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hung.

Art and science

Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.
Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.

International

Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.
Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.

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