Gavin Hamilton

Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of Hamilton (later Duchess of Argyll), 1733 - 1790. Famous beauty

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About this artwork

Born in Ireland, Elizabeth Gunning was a celebrity beauty who caused a sensation when she and her sister were introduced into high society. Though the sisters had neither dowries nor rank, their physical attractiveness secured them excellent marriages. Elizabeth married the Duke of Hamilton on St Valentine’s Day in 1752, only weeks after meeting him at a masquerade. This is a graceful portrait by the neo-classical painter, Gavin Hamilton, who was a distant relative of the Duke. Hamilton also produced an elegantly-draped full-length portrait of Elizabeth.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Gavin Hamilton (1723 - 1798) Scottish
  • title:
    Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of Hamilton (later Duchess of Argyll), 1733 - 1790. Famous beauty
  • date created:
    After 1752
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    67.50 x 55.50 cm; Framed: 77.80 x 66.00 x 7.20 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Kenneth Sanderson 1944
  • accession number:
    PG 1444
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Gavin Hamilton

Gavin Hamilton