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Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, 1626 - 1691
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Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, 1626 - 1691 About 1679

On Display PORTRAIT GALLERY

  • Scottish Art
This portrait shows Elizabeth Murray the Duchess of Lauderdale, at the zenith of her political and cultural influence. From a Scottish family which rose to prominence at the court of Charles I, Elizabeth received an intellectual education unusual for a woman. Following the death of her first husband, Sir Lionel Tollemache, Elizabeth married John Maitland the 2nd Earl of Lauderdale in 1672. Known for their extravagance and extensive patronage, this portrait, painted in the grand manner of the European Baroque, emphasises the duchess?s status. Gennari has depicted her sitting in a high backed chair with a parrot perched on her hand; both signifiers of wealth and social standing.

Glossary Open

Baroque

A general term for European art and architecture from the 17th to the mid 18th centuries. It particularly refers to works characterised by a sense of movement and theatricality.

Patronage

The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.

Baroque, Patronage

Details

  • Acc. No. PG 3495
  • Medium Oil on canvas
  • Size 123.00 x 100.00 cm (framed: 165.00 x 123.00 x 12.00 cm)
  • Credit Accepted by HM Government in lieu of inheritance tax, 2006

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Part of

Scottish Art

Located In See floorplan

Portrait Second floor
  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery / Second floor / Gallery 1