Description

Oil on canvas in a 19th century gilt frame (some small damages to frame).
A charming, insightful portrait of a young girl thought to be Lady Dorothy Spencer. A portrait of this small size was an intimate item, possibly for her parents, and would have been in a private room, rather than a state room.
The unknown artist was strongly influenced by the fashionable Court painter Sir Peter Lely. The intimate quality of this lovely little portrait is enhanced by the rapid, loose treatment of the hair...a painterly enjoyment in the use of the medium.
LADY DOROTHY SPENCER (1640-1670) born at Althorpe, was the daughter of Henry Spencer, 1st Earl of Sunderland; her mother was the former Lady Dorothy Sidney. She was sister of Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland, Penelope Spencer and Henry Spencer. She was also an ancestress of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales (1961-1997).
Lady Dorothy married George Savile, 1st Viscount Halifax in 1656 becoming the Viscountess of Halifax.
They had two children, William Savile, 2nd Marquess of Halifax, and Anne Savile, later Countess of Carberry. In 1667 George Savile was created Viscount Halifax, but his elevation to the title of Marquess of Halifax came some years after Dorothy's death at the age of 30. She died in London, but is buried in Thornhill, Yorkshire.
SIZE: 20.5 x 17.75 inches inc. frame. Canvas size 13 x 10 inches.
PROVENANCE: Long established London Private Collection.
Internal Ref: 9008

Dimensions

Height = 52 cm (21")
Width = 45 cm (18")
Depth = 7 cm (3")