Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
Gainsborough Dupont·c. 1787/1796
Historical Context
Gainsborough Dupont's portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, painted around 1787-1796, depicts one of the most celebrated women of Georgian England — a political hostess, gambler, and fashion icon. Dupont's version derives from portraits by his uncle Thomas Gainsborough, who painted the duchess several times. The most famous Gainsborough portrait of Georgiana was stolen in 1876 and became one of art history's most dramatic theft cases.
Technical Analysis
Dupont's oil-on-canvas technique closely follows his uncle's characteristic style, with feathery, translucent brushwork in the hair and costume. While competent, the handling lacks Gainsborough's effortless luminosity, particularly in the flesh tones and the atmospheric treatment of the background.
Provenance
George Agar-Ellis, 1st Baron Dover [1797-1833];[1] by descent to his granddaughter, the Hon. Lilah Agar-Ellis, later Lady Annaly [1862-1944], until c. 1922. (M. Knoedler & Co., London and New York); sold January 1922 to Andrew W. Mellon, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.; gift to his daughter, Ailsa Mellon Bruce [1901-1969], New York, by 1937; bequest 1970 to NGA. [1] George Agar-Ellis was married to Lady Georgiana Howard, granddaughter of the sitter. His mother was Lady Caroline Spencer [d. 1813], eldest daughter of George, 4th Duke of Marlborough and cousin of the sitter. It is possible that Lady Caroline may have inherited the painting from Georgiana or her husband, William, 5th Duke of Devonshire [1748-1811], and bequeathed it to her son. George's son was Henry Agar-Ellis, whose daughter, the Hon. Lilah Agar-Ellis, later Lady Annaly, inherited the painting.
