Attributed to Sarah Malden, Countess of Essex (1761-1838)

Attributed to Sarah Malden, Countess of Essex (1761-1838)
Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, Lord Chancellor to Charles II (1609-1674)
signed 'S Essex pinxt.' and inscribed 'Lord Chancellor Clarendon' verso, enamel, oval
4 x 3.4cm

In 1799, Sarah Malden's husband was created the 5th Earl of Essex; prior to this date she had signed 'SM', but afterward signed 'S Essex' as in this miniature. Essex liked to copy from portraits, hence the subject of the 1st Earl of Clarendon pre-dates her own time.