Valentine Green after Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.

15 x 25.5

There is so much written about Georgiana Spencer and so much to say that we must try and condense our appraisal. This mezzotint (scratch proof before title) is a cracking, early impression of the print taken from the famous portrait by Reynolds, painted soon after her marriage to the most eligible bachelor of the day, William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. Two very important aristocratic families were united in wealth and influence, giving the young Georgiana an unrivalled position as the head of society and leader of fashion. Her scope went far beyond this, however, as she also became a political activist in support of the Whig party, particularly prominent at the 1784 General Election. Her private life continued to dominate her coverage, however, with incorrigible gambling resulting in huge debts, a strained marriage with the duke resulting in extra marital affairs on both sides and illegitimate babies. Throughout it all she maintained her position at the very pinnacle of London society, a fabulous and vivacious hostess, an outspoken political commentator and a close associate of so many of the most influential people of her day.

Despite a very close and affectionate relationship with her mother, Lady Spencer wrote to Lord Nuneham in 1773 describing her daughter as "without being handsome or having a single good feature in her face, one of the most showy girls I ever saw". Horace Walpole is kinder and more in kilter with the prevailing opinion when he writes, "Her youth, figure, flowing good nature, sense and lively modesty...make her a phenomenon". One thing we can all agree on; she was most certainly a phenomenon!