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Juliana (Howard) , Baroness Petre

Maker (British, 1727-1788)
Sitter (British, 1769 - 1833)
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Date1788
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions88 3/4 x 57 1/4 in. (225.4 x 145.4 cm.)
DescriptionThis is a full-length portrait of Lady Petre (1769-1833) from Yorkshire, who was known for her intelligence, vivacity, beauty, and style.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Label TextThis portrait, one of the last Gainsborough painted before his death, features some of his most dazzling brushwork. Lilting arabesques of yellow paint convey the transparency of Lady Petre’s gauzy scarf, while energetic slashes create shimmering highlights. The vigorously painted landscape echoes the effects of the drapery, with streaks of light glimmering amid stormy clouds and dense foliage. Gainsborough presents the sitter, a glamorous teenage newlywed renowned for her style and beauty, in a striking blue petticoat, a black fringed shawl, and oversized black hat. He accentuates the slenderness of her waist by giving a pointed center to the sash wrapped around it, and by amplifying the contrasting fullness of her skirt.

Status
On view
Object number11.25
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1770
Object number: 21.1
Anne (Luttrell), Duchess of Cumberland
Thomas Gainsborough
ca. 1777
Object number: 12.10
Landscape with Farm Buildings and Country Cart
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Cottage Door
Thomas Gainsborough
ca. 1780
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Young Hobbinol and Ganderetta
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