Portrait of Mary Anne Jolliffe
Gainsborough Dupont·after 1788
Historical Context
This portrait of Mary Anne Jolliffe by Gainsborough Dupont, painted after 1788, is by the nephew and only pupil of Thomas Gainsborough. After Gainsborough's death in 1788, Dupont inherited the master's studio and completed several of his unfinished commissions. He developed a competent portrait practice in his uncle's manner, serving clients who sought the Gainsborough style, though he never achieved the same level of psychological subtlety or technical brilliance.
Technical Analysis
Dupont's technique closely follows Gainsborough's manner with fluid brushwork and a warm, harmonious palette. The portrait shows competent handling of fabrics and complexion, though lacking the translucent luminosity of Gainsborough's own flesh painting.
Provenance
the sitter, Mary Anne Jolliffe, née Twyford [1756-1802], and Thomas Samuel Jolliffe [1746-1824], Ammerdown House, Somerset, by descent to William Jolliffe; William Jolliffe, Esq., Ammerdown House, Somerset, by descent to Lord Hylton; Lord Hylton, Ammerdown Park, Somerset, sold to A.G. Temple; Mr. A.G. Temple; (Arthur J. Sulley, London); (M. Knoedler & Co., New York, sold to John L. Severance); John L. Severance [1863-1936], Cleveland, OH, by bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
