Gertrude, Lady Alston (1731-1807)

Gertrude Alston (1731-1807) was the sixth daughter of Reverend Thomas Durnford and his wife Susanna. She married Colonel Rowland Alston in 1753. The couple lived mostly in London, though made regular trips to Bath, where this portrait was painted. Lady Alston sat for Gainsborough on three separate occasions; each resulting portrait is notable for its exquisite depiction of her dress. In this portrait Gainsborough has captured the exquisite detail of Lady Alston’s silk robe à la francaise, with its characteristic back drapery. The silk’s three-dimensional appearance suggests that it is something like a brocaded silk damask.

On loan from a Private Collection