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Portrait of Elizabeth Leigh

Maker (British, 1734-1802)
Additional Title(s)
  • A Portrait of a Lady
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Dateca. 1765
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions30 1/4 x 25 in. (76.8 x 63.5 cm.)
DescriptionThis is a three quarter painted portrait of Elizabeth Leigh (1736–1820), a British middle-class gentlewoman.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of John and Mary Ann Sturgeon
Label TextThis half-length portrait of a woman in a yellow dress and black lace kerchief replicates the image of Elizabeth Leigh, who appeared in a portrait of her family, which Romney exhibited to acclaim at the Free Society of Artists in 1768 (now in the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia). While the tilt of the head and sideways glance are the same as in the group portrait, the artist has elaborated her costume, adding the pale blue ribbons and sheer lace collar. The smaller format places more attention on the individual sitter, providing Romney the opportunity to display his skill at rendering the play of light over various textures of fabric.
Status
On view
Object number2008.7
Photography © 2014 Fredrik Nilsen
John Brewster, Jr.
1801
Object number: L2015.41.164
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Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
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Penelope (Rycroft) Lee Acton
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Object number: 16.1
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1786-1787
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Mary (Palmer), Lady Beauchamp-Proctor
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ca. 1782-1788 ?
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Rose (Gardiner) Milles
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1780-1783
Object number: 14.4
Jeremiah Milles
George Romney
1780-1783
Object number: 14.3