Although the animal was probably her pet, in portraiture a dog represents fidelity and trust; also when included in a child's portrait it can signify how children, like animals, need to be trained and disciplined to become responsible adults.
An old label, verso, (now lost) identified the sitter as Ann Wells (1709-1759) daughter of John and Sarah Wells of Brasted Park, Kent, baptised in 1709.
This is probably the Ann Wells who married, secondly, Henry Brydges, 2nd Duke of Chandos at Mr. Keith's Chapel, Mayfair. (Image 7 shows Ann when Duchess).
The Duke held the office of Member of Parliament for Hereford; he was Master of the Horse to HRH The Prince of Wales and was invested as a Knight, Order of the Bath on 12 January 1731.
The Duke was also 5th Baronet Brydges, 10th Baron Chandos of Sudeley, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon, 2nd Viscount Wilton and 2nd Marquess of Carnarvon.
King George II remarked "there is my Lord Carnarvon, a hot headed, passionate, half-witted coxcomb."
Ann, Duchess of Chandos, died 9 August 1759 at Keynsham Abbey, Somerset without male issue. She was buried at St. Lawrence, Whitchurch, London as was the Duke in 1771.
SIZE: canvas 29 x 22 inches.
37 x 30 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Oxfordshire Private Collection for many years.
VERSO: old labels for the art dealers Agnews and Ryman.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of Ann Wells, Later Duchess of Chandos C. 1711; English School.
