One of a number of related versions of this portrait in the style of Liotard. The sitter, identified as Maria Gunning, was a notable beauty of her time. She wears Turkish dress, a pearl choker necklace and large pearl earrings. Her pale complexion is achieved by lead white make-up know to be poisonous
Description:
Title from 2005 Christie's appraisal. and Artist thought to be a follower of Jean-Etienne Liotard.
Subject (Name):
Coventry, Maria Gunning Coventry, Countess of, 1733-1760,
LWL Ptg. 155 Framed, on view in Administration Area
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
still image
Abstract:
Half-length portrait of Theodosia Burr Alston, depicting a young woman in a white empire dress with lace trim, her hair up in a cap, curls in front. In a 19th century gilt frame with rope twist inner molding, bearing a plaque with artist and subject, verso with a William Macbeth Gallery label, hand written note reads: From Mrs. J.P. Overman, and another label: Yale University Art Gallery, envelope on the back with another William Macbeth label; ss: 17 1/2" h., 14' W., some inpainting where the panel has checked and some crackling, frame reinforced with mahogany. Theodosia, the daughter of Aaron Burr, was married to the Governor of South Carolina Joseph Alston, she died off the coast of Cape Hatteras in January of 1813 having been kidnapped (according to information accompanying the work).
Description:
Title from 2005 Christie's appraisal., Also known as the 'Nags Head Portrait.', and Formerly wrongly attributed to John Vanderlyn.