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Society Portraiture Collection

Society Portraiture: Capturing Elegance and Prestige through the Ages Step into the world of society portraiture

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Georgeana Arnold d. 1849, before 1849 (watercolour on ivory)

Georgeana Arnold d. 1849, before 1849 (watercolour on ivory)
5938309 Georgeana Arnold d. 1849, before 1849 (watercolour on ivory) by British School, (19th century); 5.5x4.6 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; © Fitzwilliam Museum

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Georgeana Arnold (d. 1849) (verso), (w / c on ivory) [see 5938309]

Georgeana Arnold (d. 1849) (verso), (w / c on ivory) [see 5938309]
5938308 Georgeana Arnold (d. 1849) (verso), (w/c on ivory) [see 5938309] by British School, (19th century); 5.5x4.6 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Arnold)

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Mrs Angelo, 1760 (oil on canvas)

Mrs Angelo, 1760 (oil on canvas)
5938114 Mrs Angelo, 1760 (oil on canvas) by Reynolds, Joshua (1723-92); 55.6x45.4 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; English, out of copyright

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Samuel Hallifax, Bishop of Gloucester, 1788 (w / c on ivory)

Samuel Hallifax, Bishop of Gloucester, 1788 (w / c on ivory)
5938075 Samuel Hallifax, Bishop of Gloucester, 1788 (w/c on ivory) by Edridge, Henry (1769-1821); 6.3x5.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), 1758 (oil on canvas)

The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), 1758 (oil on canvas)
5938068 The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), 1758 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Samuel Hallifax, LL. D. D. D. Bishop of Gloucester 1733-90, 1788 (watercolour on ivory)

Samuel Hallifax, LL. D. D. D. Bishop of Gloucester 1733-90, 1788 (watercolour on ivory)
5938267 Samuel Hallifax, LL.D. D.D. Bishop of Gloucester 1733-90, 1788 (watercolour on ivory) by Edridge, Henry (1769-1821); 6.3x5.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Richard Snow, 1738 (oil on canvas)

Richard Snow, 1738 (oil on canvas)
5938262 Richard Snow, 1738 (oil on canvas) by Pond, Arthur (c.1700-58); 75.2x62.9 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; British, out of copyright

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Portrait of a man, 1670 (oil on canvas)

Portrait of a man, 1670 (oil on canvas)
5938261 Portrait of a man, 1670 (oil on canvas) by Tempel, Abraham Lamberts Jacobsz van den (1622-72); 87.5x75.0 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; Dutch

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: The 7th Earl of Northampton, before 1787 (oil on canvas)

The 7th Earl of Northampton, before 1787 (oil on canvas)
5938147 The 7th Earl of Northampton, before 1787 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: The 7th Earl of Northampton, 1758 (oil on canvas)

The 7th Earl of Northampton, 1758 (oil on canvas)
5938084 The 7th Earl of Northampton, 1758 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Portrait of a woman, 1660 (oil on canvas)

Portrait of a woman, 1660 (oil on canvas)
5938280 Portrait of a woman, 1660 (oil on canvas) by Bray, Jan de (c.1626-97); 97.4x76.8 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; Dutch, out of copyright

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Lady Milner (nee Miss Mordaunt), 1760 (oil on canvas)

Lady Milner (nee Miss Mordaunt), 1760 (oil on canvas)
5938215 Lady Milner (nee Miss Mordaunt), 1760 (oil on canvas) by Devis, Arthur (1712-87); 50.8x35.5 (canvas); 66x50.8x6.5 (frame) cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Mrs Sandys, the artists mother, late 1840s (oil on canvas)

Mrs Sandys, the artists mother, late 1840s (oil on canvas)
5938079 Mrs Sandys, the artists mother, late 1840s (oil on canvas) by Sandys, Anthony Frederick Augustus (1829-1904); 46.5x36.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Portrait of a man, 1630 (oil on panel)

Portrait of a man, 1630 (oil on panel)
5938302 Portrait of a man, 1630 (oil on panel) by Dyck, Anthony van (1599-1641); 64.8x59.6 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; eFitzwilliam Museum; Flemish, out of copyright

Background imageSociety Portraiture Collection: Miniature of Richard Sackville, 1616 (w / c on vellum on card)

Miniature of Richard Sackville, 1616 (w / c on vellum on card)
5938204 Miniature of Richard Sackville, 1616 (w/c on vellum on card) by Oliver, Isaac (c.1565-1617); 4.1x3.4 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge



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Society Portraiture: Capturing Elegance and Prestige through the Ages Step into the world of society portraiture, where artists skillfully immortalize the elite in exquisite detail. From delicate watercolors on ivory to rich oil paintings on canvas, these captivating artworks provide a glimpse into the lives of influential individuals throughout history. One such example is Georgeana Arnold, whose portrait painted before her untimely demise in 1849 showcases her grace and beauty. The watercolor on ivory captures her essence with remarkable precision, leaving us longing to know more about this mysterious woman. In contrast, Mrs. Angelo's oil painting from 1760 exudes an air of sophistication as she gazes confidently at the viewer. The artist masterfully portrays her elegance through vibrant brushstrokes on canvas, making it clear why she was considered a prominent figure within high society. Moving forward in time, we encounter Samuel Hallifax, Bishop of Gloucester depicted twice—once in 1788 with watercolor on ivory and again in 1733-90 with watercolor on ivory. These miniatures showcase his esteemed position and scholarly demeanor while highlighting the evolution of artistic techniques over several decades. The detailed portrayal of Richard Sackville from 1616 demonstrates how even centuries ago, artists were able to capture individuality using watercolors on vellum mounted onto card. This miniature transports us back to an era when such portraits were treasured possessions that conveyed status and heritage. Richard Snow's oil painting from 1738 offers another fascinating insight into society portraiture by showcasing his subject's regal presence amidst a backdrop that speaks volumes about their social standing. It serves as a reminder that these portraits not only captured physical appearances but also symbolized power and influence. Meanwhile, "Portrait of a man" from 1670 provides an intriguing glimpse into male fashion trends during that period while emphasizing the sitter's wealth and status.