Probably Dorothy, Viscountess Townshend

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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Notes

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We used to think this represented Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the writer and traveller, who lived in Constantinople (Istanbul) between 1716 and 1718. We now know it is probably a portrait of the wife of Charles, 2nd Viscount Townshend. Like many aristocratic women of her time, Dorothy was not involved in public life nor did she travel abroad. Although she is shown in exotic fancy-dress, her identity as the wife of a notable husband is suggested by the miniature portrait on her bracelet.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Probably Dorothy, Viscountess Townshend

Date

c.1715

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 123.8 x W 92.1 cm

Accession number

2506

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by Miss Lillie Belle Randell, 1931. On long-term loan to Beningbrough Hall, Yorkshire

Work type

Painting

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