Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, 1626 - 1691
About this artwork
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.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Benedetto Gennari (1633 - 1715) Italian
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title:Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, 1626 - 1691
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date created:About 1679
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:123.00 x 100.00 cm; Framed: 165.00 x 123.00 x 12.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Accepted by HM Government in lieu of inheritance tax, 2006
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accession number:PG 3495
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depicted:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Benedetto Gennari
Benedetto Gennari
Born into an artistic family, Gennari trained under both his father and uncle in Bologna, Italy. His early paintings particularly reflect the influence of his uncle, Baroque painter Guercino. In 1672 he travelled to Paris before crossing to England in 1674. He remained there for the next fourteen...