The Mezzotint Man has dated this Antique Mezzotint Portrait Print to the 18th Century.
Fine early 18th-century portrait of Dodington Montagu, Duchess of Manchester, who is depicted full-length wearing a formal "grand habit" or court dress, characterized by its voluminous and shimmering fabrics.
It features a low-cut, "V-shaped" neckline trimmed with delicate white lace or a chemise ruffle visible at the edges.
A large, voluminous wrap or cloak is draped over her shoulders and arms, adding a sense of movement and "grandeur" to her silhouette. This style of "undress" (a term for formal but loosely draped clothing) was often used in portraits to project a timeless, classical elegance rather than strictly following day-to-day fashion.
Her dark hair is styled in a popular late-17th to early-18th-century manner—pulled high off the forehead with loose, thick curls cascading down her neck and over her shoulders. In her hand she holds a small bouquet of flowers in her right hand, a common symbol of beauty and femininity in portraiture of the period.
Dodington Montagu (née Greville), Duchess of Manchester (1672–1720), was a prominent figure in the British aristocracy during the late Stuart and early Georgian periods. She came from two influential families, she was the daughter of Robert Greville, 4th Baron Brooke, and Anne Dodington. Her maternal grandfather was John Dodington, an MP for Lymington.
On February 19, 1690, she married Charles Montagu, then the 4th Earl of Manchester and her marriage significantly elevated her social standing. For most of her life, she was known as the Countess of Manchester. However, in 1719, King George I created her husband the 1st Duke of Manchester, making her the very first Duchess of Manchester.
The couple had several children, including William Montagu (who became the 2nd Duke) and Robert Montagu (the 3rd Duke).
She died on February 16, 1720, at Kimbolton, the family’s ancestral seat. She is buried in the Church of St Andrew in Kimbolton
Date: Early 18th century
Sheet Dimensions: 47cm x 32cm.
Framed Dimensions: 58cm x 44cm.
Price: £820
All prices include UK mainland delivery. For other territories please ask.
The Mezzotint Man has dated this Antique Mezzotint Portrait Print to the 18th Century.
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Mezzotint Portrait of Dodington Montagu (Nee Greville) Duchess of Manchester by John Faber Jr After Sir Godfrey Kneller
