Anne Dashwood (1743–1830), Later Countess of Galloway

Sir Joshua Reynolds

Created:
Movement:
1764
Rococo
key Notes:
Aristocratic Elegance, Rococo Portraiture
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Dimensions:
52 1/2 x 46 3/4 in. (133.4 x 118.7 cm), with strip of 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm) folded over the top of the stretcher
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Anne Dashwood (1743–1830), Later Countess of Galloway" is a portrait painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1764. The subject, Anne Dashwood, was the daughter of Sir Francis Dashwood and later became the Countess of Galloway through her marriage to George Gordon, 4th Earl of Galloway. Reynolds was a prominent British portrait painter and a founding member of the Royal Academy. This work exemplifies his mastery of capturing the elegance and social status of his subjects, utilizing a soft color palette and a refined composition. The painting is characterized by its attention to detail in the depiction of fabrics and the sitter's expression, reflecting the ideals of beauty and virtue of the time. The exact circumstances surrounding the commission of the portrait are unknown. The painting is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Scotland.

Description of the work:

"Anne Dashwood (1743–1830), Later Countess of Galloway" is an oil on canvas painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, created in 1764. The composition features a seated female figure, elegantly draped in a flowing white gown that contrasts with the darker background. The subject's posture is relaxed yet dignified, with her left arm resting on a ledge, suggesting a sense of ease and confidence. Her hair is styled in loose curls, adorned with a delicate ribbon, enhancing her youthful appearance. The use of light and shadow creates a soft, three-dimensional effect, highlighting the contours of her face and the texture of her attire. Reynolds employs a rich color palette, with warm tones that contribute to the overall luminosity of the work. The background is rendered in muted hues, allowing the figure to stand out as the focal point. The painting exemplifies Reynolds' mastery of portraiture, capturing both the physical likeness and the character of the subject.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Anne Dashwood (1743–1830), Later Countess of Galloway