This work formed part of an ancient collection of family heirlooms of the Wood family of Bracon Ash, Norfolk. This painting, along with another (also with Titan Fine Art at the time of writing), of our sitter�s sister, descended within the family for around 275 years until recently dispersed; they are exquisite examples of Georgian portraiture in England and represents the best of the artist�s work. They are held in their original carved and gilded frames, which are absolute top quality and condition and magnificent works of art in their own right. The sitter�s daughter, Ann, was famously married on board the Foudroyant, off Naples, in a lavish ceremony in 1799, with Lord Nelson himself giving away the bride. The sitter is Jane Wood. Her father was Thomas Wood (1682-176) and Dorothy Huby (1700-1759) and the family lived in Norwich, which in 1720 was a city second in importance only to London. Jane was baptised 14 Oct 1727 at Bracon Ash and had many siblings. Her aunt, also Jane (died in 1756 in Bruges, aged 79) was a Franciscan nun. A portrait of her younger sister, Dorothy Wood (1730-1759), is also with Titan Fine Art at the time of writing. In 1758 Jane married Knipe Gobbet (1730/5-1791) who was Sheriff in 1768 (and Mayor in 1771) of the City of Norwich, and later Lieutenant-Colonel of the West Norfolk Regiment, in which corps he had served in for many years. Knipe was born at his family seat, Tacolneston Hall, to parents George Gobbet (Sheriff in 1710) and Ann. The couple bought and lived in a house in Norwich (later known as Gurney�s Bank House) until 1778 before moving to another one at 10 St Stephen�s Street, Norwich. Later, they inherited the family seat of Tacolnestan Hall and lived there for the remainder of their lives. Knipe Gobbet was a prominent individual. In 1779 he gave the corporation of Norwich 100 pounds to be disposed of as they might think proper and soon after that he was presented with a handsome field tent, marquee, an...