The Countess of Darnley

The Countess of Darnley belonged to one of England's oldest noble families, holders of the Clifton barony since the 14th century. Lawrence painted her in 1827 in the grand manner tradition, producing a portrait that now hangs in the National Gallery as testimony to his late mastery. Lawrence's technique was notably free and gestural, with the sitter's face rendered in confident thin layers achieving luminous flesh tones that made him the most celebrated portrait painter of Regency Britain.

Rich, saturated color distinguishes this late portrait, with deep reds and golds in the drapery set against a darkened atmospheric background. Lawrence's brushwork is both authoritative and economical, suggesting elaborate costume details with just a few decisive strokes.