Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1753–1797), Countess of Derby

George Romney

Created:
Movement:
1778
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Aristocratic Elegance, Neoclassical Portraiture
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Dimensions:
50 x 40 in. (127 x 101.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1753–1797), Countess of Derby" is a portrait painted by George Romney between 1776 and 1778. The subject, Lady Elizabeth Stanley, was the daughter of Edward Stanley, the 11th Earl of Derby. Romney was known for his flattering and idealized representations of women, and this portrait exemplifies his style during the late 18th century. The painting captures Lady Elizabeth in a classical pose, adorned in elegant attire, which reflects the fashion of the period. The work is characterized by its soft color palette and attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of fabric and skin tones. The portrait is part of a tradition of aristocratic portraiture that aimed to convey both beauty and status. The current location of the painting is unknown.

Description of the work:

"Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1753–1797), Countess of Derby" by George Romney is an oil on canvas portrait created between 1776 and 1778. The composition features Lady Elizabeth in a three-quarter pose, exuding an air of elegance and poise. She is adorned in a flowing white gown with delicate drapery, which contrasts with the darker background, enhancing her figure. The use of light and shadow highlights her facial features, particularly her soft expression and the gentle curve of her neck. Romney's brushwork captures the texture of the fabric and the luminosity of her skin, contributing to a lifelike representation. The painting is characterized by a refined color palette, predominantly featuring soft pastels and muted tones. The background is subtly rendered, allowing the viewer's focus to remain on the subject. Overall, the portrait exemplifies the neoclassical style prevalent in Romney's work during this period.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Lady Elizabeth Stanley (1753–1797), Countess of Derby