Sarah Hussey Delaval (1742–1821), Countess of Mexborough

Artist/Maker

DatesMade: Made 1770

Material / Technique

Dimensionsh x w: Mått [dager] 9,7 x 7,4 cm h x w x d: Ram [med hänge] 13 x 8,7 x 0,8 cm

Inventory numberNMB 2580

AcqusitionPurchase 2018 Axel and Nora Lundgren Fund

Other titlesTitle (sv): Sarah Hussey Delaval (1742–1821), grevinna av Mexborough spelandes gitarr Title (en): Sarah Hussey Delaval (1742–1821), Countess of Mexborough Previous: Unknown lady, probably Lady Mexborough Previous: Förmodat porträtt av Lady Mexborough

DescriptionDescription: Richard Crosse, who was born deaf, was among the most productive miniature painters in 18th-century England – but his larger-format portrait miniatures are rare. The genre-like portrayal of Lady Mexborough, playing the guitar, was shown at the Royal Academy in 1770. As with many of Crosse’s portraits, the skin tones have faded due to his use of sensitive red pigments. Description in Art Bulletin of Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, vol 15, 2008: Possibly Lady Mexborough, 1770 NMB 2580 Like many of his generation of successful English miniaturists, Richard Crosse was to be influenced greatly by the graphic character of the German-born artist Jeremiah Meyer. Also characteristic are the frequently faded carnations, where today we can infer underpainting in green. While Crosse produced a large number of small half-length portraits, his larger works in the portrait genre are relatively unusual. Crosse exhibited a portrayal of Lady Mexborough holding a guitar at the Royal Academy in 1770. This new acquisition is probably identical to the miniature portrait then exhibited by Crosse. [slut]

Depicted Person

Collection

MaterialIvory, Gouache, Watercolour

TechniquePainting