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Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
Georgiana (Spencer) Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen

Georgiana (Spencer) Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire

Maker (British, 1723-1792)
Sitter (British, 1757 - 1806)
Collections
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Dateca.1775-76
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions94 1/4 x 58 1/16 in. (239.4 x 147.5 cm.)
DescriptionIn this full-legth portrait, Lady Cavendish is depicted on the steps of a terrace, standing next to a balustrade on which she is resting her hand. Transparent cast shadows, from the trees beneath which she stands, fall across her breast and right arm and below her knees. In the background are trunks and foliage and a cloud-flecked, blue sky over a glade in which a statue stands.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Label TextThe Duchess of Devonshire appears exceedingly dignified and reserved, qualities that her mother, who commissioned the painting, would have appreciated. In reality, Georgiana was renowned for her spirited personality and informal manners, creating a sensation with her carefully casual manner of dressing.
Status
On view
Object number25.20