GAINSBOROUGH THOMAS: (1727-1788)
GAINSBOROUGH THOMAS: (1727-1788) English painter. A rare Autograph D.S., Tho. Gainsborough, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., 7th August 1778. The document is in the form of a receipt and states, in full, ´Recd. of Sir Thomas Clarges sixty five guineas in full for a Portrait of Lady Clarges and a frame´. Some light creasing and minor age wear, a few small, neat tears to the edges, a small area of paper loss to the upper left corner, and some minor traces of former mounting to the verso, G
Sir Thomas Clarges (1751-1782) English politician who married Louisa Skrine in 1777.
Louisa, Lady Clarges (1760-1809) was the daughter of the politician William Skrine (1721-1783) although was also rumoured to have been the illegitimate child of Skrine´s first wife, Jane Sumner, and John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792) after whom the modern sandwich is named.
Lady Clarges was an important musical patron, accomplished singer and talented harpist, and Gainsborough´s oil painting depicts the eighteen-year old Louisa gracefully playing her harp. The portrait, executed in the Rococo style, is one of Gainsborough's notable works, today on display at the Holburne Art Museum in Bath. In the portrait Lady Clarges is adorned in a delicate, flowing gown of lavender hues, accented with golden trimmings. Her meticulously styled hair and serene expression exude an air of sophistication and refinement. Gainsborough’s mastery is evident in the subtle play of light and shadow, which adds depth and realism to the scene. The background, softly blurred, further directs the viewer’s focus onto the subject, highlighting her dignified presence. The overall composition and intricate details are a testament to Gainsborough’s skill and his contribution to the Rococo art movement.
GAINSBOROUGH THOMAS: (1727-1788) English painter. A rare Autograph D.S., Tho. Gainsborough, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., 7th August 1778. The document is in the form of a receipt and states, in full, ´Recd. of Sir Thomas Clarges sixty five guineas in full for a Portrait of Lady Clarges and a frame´. Some light creasing and minor age wear, a few small, neat tears to the edges, a small area of paper loss to the upper left corner, and some minor traces of former mounting to the verso, G
Sir Thomas Clarges (1751-1782) English politician who married Louisa Skrine in 1777.
Louisa, Lady Clarges (1760-1809) was the daughter of the politician William Skrine (1721-1783) although was also rumoured to have been the illegitimate child of Skrine´s first wife, Jane Sumner, and John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792) after whom the modern sandwich is named.
Lady Clarges was an important musical patron, accomplished singer and talented harpist, and Gainsborough´s oil painting depicts the eighteen-year old Louisa gracefully playing her harp. The portrait, executed in the Rococo style, is one of Gainsborough's notable works, today on display at the Holburne Art Museum in Bath. In the portrait Lady Clarges is adorned in a delicate, flowing gown of lavender hues, accented with golden trimmings. Her meticulously styled hair and serene expression exude an air of sophistication and refinement. Gainsborough’s mastery is evident in the subtle play of light and shadow, which adds depth and realism to the scene. The background, softly blurred, further directs the viewer’s focus onto the subject, highlighting her dignified presence. The overall composition and intricate details are a testament to Gainsborough’s skill and his contribution to the Rococo art movement.
