Artwork

Anna Maria Dashwood, later Marchioness of Ely

Anna Maria Dashwood, later Marchioness of Ely, by Thomas Lawrence, oil, 1805
Anna Maria Dashwood, later Marchioness of Ely, by Thomas Lawrence, oil, 1805

Anna Maria Dashwood, later Marchioness of Ely is an oil painting by the Romanticist artist Thomas Lawrence. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Anna Maria Dashwood, later Marchioness of Ely, is an oil-on-canvas portrait painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence around 1805. The work showcases Lawrence's characteristic polished style, capturing the sitter in a serene, detailed environment.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Anna Maria Dashwood with a quiet, subtle expression, her face being the primary focus. Her attire and surroundings reflect her elevated social status, conveying dignity through understated elegance.

Technique & Style

Lawrence employed his signature detailed realism, evident in the rendering of the subject's clothing and the room's decor. The use of glazing techniques contributed to the calm, multi-tonal color palette, enhancing the overall sense of serenity.

History & Provenance

Originally created for a private commission, the portrait is now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, reflecting the institution's interest in 19th-century European portraiture.

Context

Painted during Lawrence's peak, the work exemplifies the neoclassical influence on British portraiture of the time, balancing realism with the sitter's social refinement.

Legacy

As part of Lawrence's oeuvre, *Anna Maria Dashwood* contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing the essence of his sitters with precision and tasteful flair, influencing subsequent generations of portraitists.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Lawrence

Artist

Thomas Lawrence

Sir Thomas Lawrence (13 April 1769 – 7 January 1830) was an English painter who served as the fourth president of the Royal Academy.