Margaret Gainsborough (1728-1797)

This intimate portrait of Gainsborough's wife dates from around 1785, when she was in her late fifties and the couple were living in the west wing of Schomberg House, Pall Mall. Gainsborough is said to have painted a portrait of his wife every year for their wedding anniversary. This portrait was probably painted as part of this tradition. It is painted in miniature on board, unusual for Gainsborough, but this, tied with its provenance through Margaret’s brother and the Burr family further demonstrates the personal nature of the portrait. Gainsborough married Margaret Burr (1727-98) at the age of 19 in July 1746 in what was known as a ‘Fleet Marriage’ (a speedy and private wedding at a clandestine chapel on Fleet Street). She was the illegitimate daughter of the Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort (1707-45) and as such received an annuity of £200 a year.

Presented by an anonymous donor, December 1998.