Image: The Duchess of Devonshire (John Downman)

Description: Contributed by Mr. Timothy Langston, Timothy Langston Fine Art & Antiques http://www.timothylangston.com/stock/177809/john-downman-georgiana-duchess-of-devonshire-1757-1806 (accessed 5-20-2016) "This hitherto unrecorded portrait of Georgiana relates to several works at Chatsworth by John Downman, which are studies for the double portrait of her and Lady Elizabeth Foster which now hangs at Ickworth house. Another virtually identical study to the portrait presented here is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (no. 2314.15). Typical of Downman's technique and style of the 1780s this sketch has a spontaneity and freshness of approach that highlights both the beauty and realism of the sitter without resorting to unnecessary flattery." "Downman completed this rare sketch whilst at the height of his popularity in London. Within a few years of his return to the capital in 1779 he had attained a reputation as one of the most fashionable portraitists of the day and by 1786 he was reported in the press as "universally admired & sought after by the first people of rank and taste" (Morning Post, May 4th 1786). One of the keys to his success was his recognition of representing his sitters in the fashions of the day, leading to commissions not only from high society and royalty but also from the professional classes." "With thanks to Charles Noble, the Curator at Chatsworth House, who confirmed the attribution and identity of the sitter." Timothy Langston
Title: The Duchess of Devonshire (John Downman)
Credit: Timothy Langston sent it to me personally
Author: Timothy Langston Fine Art & Antiques
Permission:   This work is free and may be used by anyone for any purpose. If you wish to use this content, you do not need to request permission as long as you follow any licensing requirements mentioned on this page. The Wikimedia Foundation has received an e-mail confirming that the copyright holder has approved publication under the terms mentioned on this page. This correspondence has been reviewed by a Volunteer Response Team (VRT) member and stored in our permission archive. The correspondence is available to trusted volunteers as ticket #2016052010026084. If you have questions about the archived correspondence, please use the VRT noticeboard. Ticket link: https://ticket.wikimedia.org/otrs/index.pl?Action=AgentTicketZoom&TicketNumber=2016052010026084 Find other files from the same ticket:
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No