31 REYNOLDS, SIR JOSHUA, P. R. A. 1723-1792 LADY SKIPWITH — Three-quarter length. Seated in the corner of a garden chair, her head is turned to the left almost in profile. She wears a white muslin gown with blue ribbons, and at the breast a bunch of pink roses. On her powdered hair a white hat with ostrich feathers, and in her hand she holds a white glove. Foliage background, to the right a glimpse of sky.

Eldest daughter of Hon. George Shirley, she married September 8, 1785, Sir Thomas George Skipwith, the 4th and last Baronet of that line. Sat for this portrait May, 1787. See Leslie and Taylor's "Life and Times of Sir Joshua Reynolds," Vol.II, p. 512. She became a widow in July, 1790.

In 1864 the picture was at Tunbridge Wells, the property of Sir Peyton d'Estoteville Skipwith, Bart, who was then a minor of seven years. See Graves and Cronin's "Sir Joshua Reynolds," Vol. III, pages 901 and 902.

Reproduced in Vol. VII of Graves' work on Sir Joshua Reynolds, No. 18. On the death of the above owner in 1891 it passed into the hands of his son, Sir Grey Humberston d'Estoteville Skipwith (then seven years old), from whom the picture comes.

Engraved by G. H. Every, 1864, 4 x 5 1/8; also by Norman Hirst in mezzotint, 1900, size 16 1/2 x 20 1/2.

Exhibited Grosvenor Gallery in 1889 (No. 14) by Sir Beyton Skipwith.

Canvas: W. 40; H. 50.

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32 REYNOLDS, SIR JOSHUA, P. R. A. 1723-1792 MRS. HARCOURT (AFTERWARDS COUNTESS) — Seated three-quarter length, her head turned to left, hands clasped in front of her, white muslin bodice, yellow dress. No covering on head. Heavy foliage background to the left glimpse of sky.

Daughter of William Danby, she married on September 3, 1778, William Harcourt, who became 3rd Earl in 1809. In March, 1780, Mrs. Harcourt sat for this portrait (see Leslie and Taylor's "Life and Times of Sir Joshua Reynolds," Vol.II, p. 287). In 1833 Mrs. Harcourt died aged nearly 83.

The "Gentleman's Magazine" of 1833, p. 91, says in part: "The death of this excellent lady will be deeply lamented by a numerous circle of attached and devoted relations and friends, and the loss sincerely felt in an extensive sphere in which her bounties and her character were munificently and liberally dispensed."

Engraved by S. W. Reynolds in 1824. 8 7/8 x 11 7/8 and in 1836, 4 x 4 7/8.

Reproduced in Vol. IV of Graves' work on Reynolds; also in book on S. W. Reynolds (engraver).

Exhibited in London at the British Institution, 1813, No. 10. Canvas: W. 40; H. 50. Collection: Marquis d'Harcourt. Arthur Sanderson, Edinburgh.

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