C.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil on Canvas

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A fine early 19th-century portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson (1758-1800), after the original work by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788).

Mrs Robinson briefly became the mistress of George the Prince Regent after playing Perdita in The Winter's Tale. Apparently, he was so struck by her charms that he unabashedly sent her a miniature, with a paper heart inside, declaring his eternal love.

However, it appears that his ‘eternal love’ was actually quite fleeting as, by the time he commissioned Gainsborough to paint this piece, he had already moved on to someone else. With this in mind, it seems particularly poignant that Mrs Robinson is sat next to her loyal dog, which is perhaps a little more trustworthy than the Prince.

This charming copy is clearly by an accomplished hand and captures the essence of the original very nicely. It’s gained a dark surface after many years in dusty rooms but this only seems to enhance its overall look.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 9¼” x 11¾” / 23.5cm x 30cm

Year of creation: c. 1815

Provenance: Private collection, England

Condition: Craquelure throughout but the paint layer is stable under varnish. Abrasions around the periphery due to its previous frame. One area that’s bituminised in the top right. Darkened due to age.

Physical Dimensions

Height

30cm (11.81")

Width

24cm (9.45")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the Regency era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA683068

Description

A fine early 19th-century portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson (1758-1800), after the original work by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788).

“

Mrs Robinson briefly became the mistress of George the Prince Regent after playing Perdita in The Winter's Tale.

Brave Fine Art

Apparently, he was so struck by her charms that he unabashedly sent her a miniature, with a paper heart inside, declaring his eternal love.

fig 1. c.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil On Canvas — fig 1. C.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil on Canvas

However, it appears that his ‘eternal love’ was actually quite fleeting as, by the time he commissioned Gainsborough to paint this piece, he had already moved on to someone else. With this in mind, it seems particularly poignant that Mrs Robinson is sat next to her loyal dog, which is perhaps a little more trustworthy than the Prince.

fig 2. c.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil On Canvas — fig 2. C.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil on Canvas

This charming copy is clearly by an accomplished hand and captures the essence of the original very nicely. It’s gained a dark surface after many years in dusty rooms but this only seems to enhance its overall look.

fig 3. c.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil On Canvas — fig 3. C.1810, After Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Mrs Mary Robinson, Oil on Canvas

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 9¼” x 11¾” / 23.5cm x 30cm

Year of creation: c. 1815

Provenance: Private collection, England

Condition: Craquelure throughout but the paint layer is stable under varnish. Abrasions around the periphery due to its previous frame. One area that’s bituminised in the top right. Darkened due to age.