Image Not Available

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and her Son

Attributedattributed to Richard Cosway (British, 1742-1821)

Attributedformerly attributed to Samuel Shelley (British, ca. 1750-1808)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Datemid 18th-early 19th Century

Mediumwatercolor on ivory

Dimensions4 1/4 x 3 1/16 in. (10.8 x 7.8 cm.)

DescriptionPortrait miniature housed in locket with enamel border leaf design

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

Not on view

Label TextThe Duchess of Devonshire was one of the most celebrated and beautiful women in late eighteenth-century British society. She was known for her informal manners and dress and led an energetic social life. This unfinished miniature by Cosway depicts Georgiana holding her third child and only son, both dressed in loose, classical robes. This kind of portrait, meant to suggest the tender intimacy between a mother and son, reflected changing definitions of motherhood and family relationships.

Object number24.25