Maria Walpole when the Duchess of Gloucester in a blue dress
Description:
Maria Walpole (1736-1807) was the daughter of Sir Edward Walpole (1706-1784) and his common-law wife Dorothy Clement (1715?-1739). She married first, in 1759, James Waldegrave (1714-1763), Earl Waldegrave, and second, in 1766, Prince William Henry Hanover (1743-1805), Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh., Artist attribution identified by Bodo Hofstetter of Christie's, 2004., Miniature set in a case with brightwork decoration on edge band that is hinged at top. A field of woven graying brown hair and one tied lock of white hair are inside the case between the minature and the silk backing embroidered with the initials ELW (for Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave, daughter of the sitter)., Though the embroidered initials would indicate that the portrait is of Elizabeth Laura Waldegrave (1760-1816), it is believed that her portrait was removed and replaced by one of her mother; the miniature there now is smaller than the case. The woven hair is mounted on paper inscribed "Lady Laura Waldegrave's hair / AC.", and For further provenance information, see the custodial history note in the Guide to the Sir Edward Walpole and Dorothy Clement Family Papers (LWL MSS 37).
William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester, 1776-1834 as a child, full length with hat and cane
Description:
William Frederick Hanover (1776-1834) was the son of Maria, Duchess of Gloucester (1736-1807), and her second husband William Hanover, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1743-1805). He was a great-grandson of King George II and nephew of King George III., Formerly attributed to George Engleheart (1750-1829). Signature found on verso of miniature when unframed for conservation work in February 2006: Sam. Shelley pinx / King Street / No 16. / Covent Garden., Painted after a portrait of Prince William Frederick, 1780, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, in the collection of Trinity College, University of Cambridge (Mannings, D. Sir Joshua Reynolds, number 1905)., Wooden frame back made of oak with smooth ebony surface veneer, gilt metal bezel, crown, and shooting star hanger. Engraved paper label on verso of frame: C. Salmon / Carver Gilder / & Frame Maker / to their / Royal Highnesses the / Prince of Wales & the / Dukes of York and Clarenden / Marshal Street / Golden Square / London., Note in the hand of Eleanor Forester on paper tag applied to verso: Aged 4 years. H. R. H. William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester 1776-1834 copied from a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, canvas 53 1/2 x 38 1/2 inches, which was bequeathed by his sister, Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester 1844. This Duke was admitted to Trinity College as a nobleman in 1787 aged twelve! Received M.A. degree in 1790, 2nd 1811. He became Chancellor of the University., and For further provenance information, see the custodial history note in the Guide to the Sir Edward Walpole and Dorothy Clement Family Papers (LWL MSS 37).
Title from dealer's catalog., Gilt-metal bracelet clasp frame., Signed by the artist with intials S. S. in lower left., and Also known as: Unknown Lady in White, Pink and Blue Dress.
