Antique 18th Century Painting Countess of Harrington Lady Jane Stanhope | ANTIQUES.CO.UK |
 

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    18th century painting countess of harrington lady jane stanhope

    Antique 18th Century Painting Countess of Harrington Lady Jane Stanhope

    cheshire antiques consultant ltd

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    Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD has 87 antiques for sale.
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    A Portrait of Dawn and Nobility

     
    This exquisite watercolour portrays Lady Jane Stanhope, Countess of Harrington (1755–1824), reimagined as Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn. More than a likeness, it is an allegorical vision — celebrating light, renewal, and neoclassical femininity — rendered with remarkable softness and symbolic refinement.
     
    The unknown artist brings to life a poetic tableau that transcends portraiture, placing Lady Jane in a realm of classical mythology and 18th-century aristocratic ideal.
     
    Composition and Technique
     
    Set within a dreamlike morning grove, Lady Jane stands gracefully in contrapposto amid a carpet of blossoms, bathed in the gentle hues of early light. The sky glows in rose, gold, and misty blue — evoking a celestial transition from night to day.
     
    She wears a flowing white gown in classical drapery, accented by a translucent sash scattered with golden stars. Her features are precisely rendered, while the surrounding landscape is softened through atmospheric washes — a balance of control and fluidity that enhances the painting’s ethereal character.
     
    Every element carries symbolic weight: stars, wreaths, flowers, and morning light evoke ideals of purity, transformation, and divine femininity — visual cues immediately understood by the cultured viewers of Georgian Britain.
     
    Grand Manner Influence
     
    This work is a sophisticated example of the Grand Manner, a style of portraiture popularised by Sir Joshua Reynolds that fused classical allusion with noble presentation. Though not by Reynolds himself, the portrait reflects deep familiarity with his methods — from elevated pose and idealised features to the mythological setting.
     
    It is a fine testament to the academic training and artistic aspirations of the late 18th century, likely painted by an accomplished follower within Reynolds’ orbit.
     
    About the Sitter
     
    Born Jane Fleming, daughter of Sir John Fleming, 1st Baronet, she became Countess of Harrington in 1779 upon marrying Charles Stanhope, later the 3rd Earl of Harrington. Known for her beauty, intellect, and court influence, she served as Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte, and was a frequent subject for portraitists of the era.
     
    Here, her likeness is elevated through myth — an embodiment of grace, status, and classical virtue.
     
    Frame and Presentation
     
    The portrait is set in a newly crafted reverse-profile gold leaf frame, chosen to harmonise with its 18th-century character. It has been professionally conserved and reglazed with AR70 museum-quality glass, offering:
     
    UV protection
    Anti-reflective clarity
    Preservation of fine detail and tonal nuance
    A museum-standard presentation for a work of refined historical and aesthetic significance.
     
    Framed Dimensions
     
    Height: 55 cm
    Width: 47 cm
    Depth: 1.5 cm
    Provenance
     
    Private Scottish Collection
    Acquired through a reputable Scottish auction
    Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
    Exhibited at a distinguished Middle Shire museum
    Why This Work Matters
     
    This is not merely a portrait — it is a visual allegory, rich with narrative, symbolism, and cultural resonance. Collectors and connoisseurs will value:
     
    A rare example of Georgian portraiture blended with mythological subject matter
    A graceful depiction of a notable historical figure in the Grand Manner tradition
    Elegant execution in watercolour, a medium rarely used for such compositions
    A professionally conserved, museum-worthy presentation
    A poetic and meaningful centrepiece for any interior or collection
    Condition
     
    The watercolour remains vibrant and stable, with minor foxing consistent with age. No structural damage is visible. The work has been carefully conserved and is protected with high-grade glazing to ensure long-term preservation.
     
    Shipping
     
    Available for secure worldwide shipping. The artwork will be fully insured and professionally packaged to ensure safe delivery.
     
    Purchase Information
     
    To acquire this rare and distinguished work, select Buy It Now. For more curated pieces, visit our online gallery: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
     
    Enquiries
     
    For further details or questions, we welcome your message. Our team is happy to assist with any aspect of this piece or others in our collection.

    Antiques.co.uk Ref: 698J3YYKX

    Materials:
    Watercolour
    Width (cm):
    47
    Height (cm):
    55
    Depth (cm):
    1.5
    Price: £5,000.00

    Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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    Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

    Online gallery based in Covent Garden, London, UK. We are the Fine Arts guiding source, for you to invest & acquire art that you will love. To inspire & enhance your home living & office work space for decorative purposes or as an investment. We can help you create or raise your art collection portfolio for beginners or serial collectors! We provide an Expert Art Acquisition service tailored for you. Our services are available to both private individual and business corporate clients. We cover every step of the purchasing procedure. We cater to all budget ranges. Welcome to our little part of the Fine Arts & antiques world, where paintings, sculptures & collectibles history comes to life and each piece has its own story. A family business Founded in 2005 and managed by fellow Directors Michael, and Victoria, during two decades, coming from an academic background, overseeing all historical research. Supporting the daily operations at Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & directing our social media campaigns, we've been taking art collectors, hobbyists, and interior aficionados on a journey through time. Our passion is sourcing the very best historic collections that the arts and antiques world has to offer and to-date, we have worked directly with private clients through to commercial corporate organisations, museums, auctioneers, art agents & dealers being their leading collaboration partners as Fine Arts consultants. Certified elected members of the Fine Art Trade Guild. Art subjects that we specialise in, exhibit & sell from the past to the present. British & European paintings of known figures portraits, marine ships & coastal, hunting, shooting & sporting. Prized animals, cattle, horses, dogs & wildlife to pretty floral still life. Honeypot scenic landscapes & cityscapes, interiors, transport & great military battles. We cover traditional 17th century era to 21st century contemporary periods. Art movements from Classical, Baroque, Impressionism & Realism, all having distinct styles, hues and textures that you will love. Desirable Sculptures & decor from the Georgian, 19th-century, Victorian to detailed Art Deco & 20th century modern masterpieces. Antiques, Objects Of Vertu, Fine Sculptures & Collectibles that span historic eras and styles, with a deep reverence for the past and an eye for beautiful creativity. Our carefully curated masterpieces are more than just objects; they are windows into the past, each with its own unique story to tell. Our authentic selection reflects the eternal ingenuity of human hands. Sourced from notable & private collections, high end auctions, museums, castles & stately home origins. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD understands the importance of each piece, appreciating not only its history but also the talent and creativity that brought it to life. Beyond our great services, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and satisfying experience. Our skilled team provides personalised consulting services, leading you through our collection to locate the perfect piece that fits your concept. From the first enquiry to the final delivery, we are committed to guaranteeing that your purchase brings you delight and admiration. We invite you to explore our available collections for sale. At Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, where passion meets pedigree and the past finds a home in the present, you can immerse yourself in the art of history. Allow each object you purchase to be a tribute to the enduring legacy of human invention, and use your space to tell the stories of the past.

    Contact details

    Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
    71-75 Shelton Street
    Covent Garden
    London
    Greater London
    WC2H 9JQ
    UNITED KINGDOM
    T: 07494763382
    E: cheshireantiquesconsultant@gmail.com
    W: http:/https://cheshireant...

    cheshire antiques consultant ltd

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    Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD has 87 antiques for sale.
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