A woman sits on a grassy bank in front of a tree. She is very pale, with a serious expression. Her powdered hair is adorned with a blue bow at the crown of her head and another ribbon tied under her chin. She wears a low-cut white dress with lace trim, a fichu across her breast, and blue ribbons on the bodice. Her hands are in her lap; one hand holds a miniature portrait. On the right sits an alert fox dog with white fur. The background includes more trees and a cloudy sky.

Mrs Mary Robinson (Perdita)

Thomas Gainsborough

1781

Oil on canvas

233.7 x 153 cm (support); 269 x 186 x 21 cm (framed)

Wallace Collection, P42

Image credit: © The Wallace Collection

A portrait of Mary 'Perdita' Robinson commissioned by her former lover, George, Prince of Wales.

The pastoral landscape and romantic costume recall the world of Shakespeare's shepherdess, and Robinson's role as 'Perdita'. The miniature in her hand - at arm's length - suggests an explanation for her languid look.

The society portraitist Thomas Gainsborough undertook several commissions for George, Prince of Wales, in the 1780s. This painting was billed to him in 1784, but was quickly removed to the stores at his London residence. In 1818, George gave it to his friend, the Marquess of Hertford.

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Jeremiah Meyer

c.1777-89

Meyer George IV miniature

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Mrs Mary Robinson (Perdita)

Thomas Gainsborough

1781

Mary Robinson (RCT)

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