Portrait of Elizabeth Leigh

Maker George Romney (British, 1734-1802)

Additional Title(s)

A Portrait of a Lady

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1765

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions30 1/4 x 25 in. (76.8 x 63.5 cm.)

DescriptionThis is a three quarter painted portrait of Elizabeth Leigh (1736–1820), a British middle-class gentlewoman.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of John and Mary Ann Sturgeon

Status

On view

Label TextThis half-length portrait of a woman in a yellow dress and black lace kerchief replicates the image of Elizabeth Leigh, who appeared in a portrait of her family, which Romney exhibited to acclaim at the Free Society of Artists in 1768 (now in the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia). While the tilt of the head and sideways glance are the same as in the group portrait, the artist has elaborated her costume, adding the pale blue ribbons and sheer lace collar. The smaller format places more attention on the individual sitter, providing Romney the opportunity to display his skill at rendering the play of light over various textures of fabric.

Object number2008.7