Period Portraits has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The sitter (Lady Margaret …. according to the tantalising reminders of a label verso) is depicted half length within an oval cartouche her head slightly inclined to the left and she gazes at us with soft and pleasing expression. She wears a deep blue dress over a frilled white chemise which is held in place with a single pearl, and around her shoulders is a scarlet silk wrap.
The young and attractive subject has bright grey/blue eyes, flushed cheeks and chestnut hair which tumbles naturalistically around her shoulders. Of particular note are her creamy complexion and also her classically draped costume which both retain their original colour remarkably well.
Thomas Gibson (1680-1751).
Gibson was a celebrated English portrait painter. In 1711 he was appointed a founding director of Godfrey Kneller's Academy in London; among his pupils there was George Vertue. Gibson's sitters included a number of important public figures: Dr Henry Sacheverell (1710; Oxford, Magdalen Coll.), John Flamsteed (1712; Oxford, Bodleian Lib.), Sir Robert Walpole (untraced; engr. G. Bockman), Archbishop William Wake (Oxford, Christ Church Picture Gallery) and Archbishop John Potter (London, Lambeth Palace).
His most constant patron was John Poulett, 1st Earl Poulett (1663–1743), who commissioned a great number of originals and copies. Gibson's career was interrupted in 1729-31 by serious illness, and he was obliged to sell his collection and for a time retire to Oxford. After resuming his practice he was patronised by Augusta, Princess of Wales, who in 1742 commissioned a group portrait of her four children, as well as her own portrait (both British Royal Collection)
This fine signed work by one of the 18th centuries most celebrated portrait artist is offered in its likely original hand carved and gilded frame which has a mellow gold patina and is itself a work of art.
Higher resolution images on request.
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Canvas: 25" x 30” / 64cm x 77cm.
Frame: 34” x 39” / 87cm x 99cm.
Price: £6800
Period Portraits has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
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18th Century Oil on Canvas English Portrait of Lady Margaret - By Thomas Gibson (1680 - 1751)
