After Lady Diana Beauclerk 1734-1808. 18th.Century Sanguine Stipple Engraving. Her Grace the Dutchess of Devonshire. Published July 11th. 1782 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London. Trimmed to image, period giltwood frame with titles adhered to the backing board. 12.7 by 16.5 cms oval image. 16.5 by 20.5 cms. Overall in frame.
A highly gifted artist Lady Diana Beauclerk (née Spencer) The eldest daughter of the third Duke of Marlborough was able to use her scandalous reputation as an adulteress and aristocratic woman to further her career as a painter and designer. She painted portraits, illustrated plays and books, provided designs for Wedgwood's innovative pottery, and decorated rooms with murals. Championed by her close friend Horace Walpole, whose letters illuminate all aspects of her life, she was able to establish herself as an admired artist at a time when women struggled to forge careers
Georgiana Cavendish 1757-1806 Duchess of Devonshire née Spencer. (a kinswoman of Lady Diana Beauclerk) was the celebrated society beauty and a leader of Whig society, famed for her beauty, wit and notorious ménage à trois with the 5th Duke of Devonshire and her eventual successor as Duchess Lady Elizabeth Foster. Walpole described her thus: "She effaces all without being a beauty, but her youthful figure and flowing good nature, sense and lively modesty and modest familiarity make her a phenomenon."