λAttributed to Sir Thomas Lawrence PRA, FRS (1769-1830)

λAttributed to Sir Thomas Lawrence PRA, FRS (1769-1830)
Portrait miniature of Anne, Lady Ellenborough (1769-1843), wearing a white dress
Rectangular, in a gilt metal repoussé frame
114 x 87mm

Sir Thomas Lawrence painted a portrait of Lady Ellenborough in c.1811, but was dissatisfied with it and failed to complete it (see K. Garlick, Sir Thomas Lawrence - A Complete Catalogue of Oil Paintings, 1989, p.183, no.270b). Lady Ellenborough wrote several letters to Lawrence in 1811 regarding the unfinished portrait, saying she 'had rather have the present picture reduced to the smallest size, than relinquish the idea of having it completely finished before she leaves town' (see George Somes Layard (ed.), Sir Thomas Lawrence's Letter-Bag, 1906, pp.74-83).

Portrait miniatures by Lawrence are extremely rare, with only a few known to exist in private collections.

Ivory Act registration number: F87E4HXC

Ivory appears structurally sounds with no apparent bowing or splitting. Slight yellowing to the background made apparent by a contrasting strip of brighter painting along the upper edge in correspondence to the frame. A little dust under the glass. Occasional very light hairline scratches, mainly one to the background upper right above the figure and a few by the column centre-left. A thin strip of very mild staining to the lower edge in correspondence to the frame. The figure is in good condition with no significant fading. The frame also in overall good condition.