18th Century English Portrait Of Lady Margaret - By Thomas Gibson (1680-1751)

A highly decorative portrait of Lady Margaret by the celebrated 18th century English portrait painter Thomas Gibson. Signed Thomas Gibson Pinxt 1727, this fine portrait is typical of the early 18th century formula for head and shoulder portraits of aristocratic beauties. The sitter (Lady Margaret…. according to the tantalising reminders on a label verso) is shown half-length in an oval cartouche, her head slightly inclined to the left and she looks at us with a gentle and pleasant expression. She wears a deep blue dress over a ruffled white chemise which is held in place with a single pearl, and around her shoulders is a scarlet silk wrap. The youthful and attractive subject has brilliant grey/blue eyes, ruddy cheeks and chestnut hair which falls naturalistically around her shoulders. Of particular note is her creamy complexion and her classically draped costume which retain their original colour remarkably well. Thomas Gibson (1680-1751). Gibson was a noted English portrait painter. In 1711 he was appointed founding principal of Godfrey Kneller's Academy in London; among his pupils was George Vertue. Gibson's sitters included a number of important public figures: Dr Henry Sacheverell (1710; Oxford, Magdalen Coll.), John Flamsteed (1712; Oxford, Bodleian Lib.), Sir Robert Walpole (untraced; engineer G. Bockman), Archbishop William Wake (Oxford, Christ Church Picture Gallery), and Archbishop John Potter (London, Lambeth Palace). His most constant patron was John Poulett, 1st Earl Poulett (1663–1743), who commissioned a large number of originals and copies. Gibson's career was interrupted in 1729–31 by serious illness, and he was obliged to sell his collection and retire for a time to Oxford. After resuming his practice he was patronised by Augusta, Princess of Wales, who in 1742 commissioned a group portrait of her four children, as well as her own portrait (both in the British Royal Collection) This beautiful work signed by one of the most celebrated portrait painters of the 18th century is offered in its original probably hand carved and gilded frame which has a soft gold patina and is itself a work of art. Higher resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available: Canvas: 25" x 30" / 64cm x 77cm. Frame: 34" x 39" / 87cm x 99cm.