Mary Nisbet, Countess of Elgin (1777 - 1855)
About this artwork
Mary Nisbet's dark hair and velvet dress complement her light skin. The artist has carefully defined the delicate ruff of the high lace collar, the touches of gold in the embroidered decoration and her fine jewellery. The portrait was probably painted in Paris where Mary's husband, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, was British Ambassador. She interceded successfully on his behalf when he was imprisoned in 1803, after Napoleon revoked the Treaty of Amiens, ending the temporary peace between Britain and France.
Updated before 2020
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artist:François Pascal Simon Gérard (1770 - 1837) French
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title:Mary Nisbet, Countess of Elgin (1777 - 1855)
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date created:Probably 1803
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:64.80 x 54.60 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequest of Mrs Nisbet Hamilton Ogilvy of Biel 1921
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accession number:NG 1496
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gallery:
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depicted:
François Pascal Simon Gérard
François Pascal Simon Gérard
Gérard became Napoleon's favourite portrait painter, but also established a reputation as a fine history painter. He managed to maintain favour during the Revolution, the First Empire and the Restoration of the Monarchy and was created a baron by Louis XVIII. Gérard was born in Rome, but trained in...