Important Portrait Miniature Lady Liverpool Wife Of English Prime Minister Robert Jenkinson C 1800

If you are a portrait miniature collector who likes to know the sitter and their history, then this little treasure is the portrait for you.

This wonderful portrait miniature was painted in England during the late 18th century, very early 19th century circa 1800. This George III era portrait miniature features Lady Liverpool wearing a ribbon/bandeau in her hair. There are relatively few portraits of Lady Liverpool, in the known portraits and sculptures of her she is often seen wearing this ribbon/bandeau. This is a fascinating portrait; below we have provided only a brief history of the sitter and also those involved with the portrait.

The watercolour portrait is on paper, housed behind its original glass in its original papier mache frame. The back of the painting features the artist’s ink inscription reading:

‘Lady Liverpool by L. Chester, Fanny Braddyel, from Aunt xxxx’

THE SITTER

Louisa Theodosia Jenkinson, Countess of Liverpool (née Hervey) (b 1767 – d 1821) was a British noblewoman and the first wife of Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who served as prime minister from 1812 to 1827.

Louisa was a humanitarian/ philanthropist. She regularly made clothes for a poor girl that she was maintaining at school. Louisa also involved herself in charity work when she was older providing relief to the poor and infirm and helping to comfort the dying. Sadly Louisa suffered from poor health throughout her life.
Lady Louisa has a memorial in All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England where she had been a regular worshiper. It consists of a seated life-size marble statue of Louisa as a young woman, sculpted by Sir Francis Chantrey. She was also painted by George Romney in 1793 when she was 26 years old.

THE ARTIST

After Louisa’s death, her Husband, Robert, married Louisa’s close friend Mary (nee Chester), Countess of Liverpool (b 1777 – d 1846). Our actual painting is by Mary’s sister, Louisa Bagot Chester (b abt. 1767 – d 1830).

The other name included on the back of the portrait is that of Frances ‘Fanny’ Braddyll, née Chester (b 1777 – d 1848) who was another of Mary’s sisters.

This is a truly original portrait this is perfect for anyone who loves all things Georgian.

Reference: In 1801, aged 34. Sculpture of Lady Liverpool by Joseph Nollekens.

Measuring: Frame width 6 ½ inch (16.5 cm) by height 7 inch (18 cm). Aperture width 3 inch (7.5 cm) by height 3 5/8 inch (9.5 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear to frame, minor crazing to papier mache surface. Small but stable crack to the glass bottom left corner. A few minor old surface chips to frame. All commensurate with age.

Item id:16507