Who painted Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756)?

Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756) was painted by James Latham in 1731.

Where can I see Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756)?

Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756) is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756)?

Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756)

James Latham , 1731

Portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent (d.1756) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist James Latham. It dates from 1731 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

James Latham’s oil portrait of Lady Catherine Nugent, who died in 1756, was painted around 1731. The work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland and presents the sitter in a composed, formal pose characteristic of early‑18th‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Lady Catherine is shown wearing a blue gown with a low neckline, her dark hair gathered back, and a red drape across her left arm. A white undershirt peeks beneath the dress, underscoring the layered fashion of the period. The composition emphasizes her status and poise through restrained gesture and dignified expression.

Technique & Style

Latham employs a dark, muted background that isolates the figure, allowing the rich blues and reds of the clothing to stand out. The handling of light on the fabric and the subtle modeling of the face reflect the artist’s skill in rendering texture and volume within a restrained colour palette.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1731, the portrait entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the Nugent family, whose members were prominent in Irish society during the early 1700s.

Context

The painting exemplifies the conventions of aristocratic portraiture in early Georgian Britain and Ireland, where formal attire, controlled lighting, and dark backgrounds were employed to convey elegance and authority. Latham’s work aligns with contemporary trends seen in the portraits of peers such as Sir Godfrey Kneller.