Elizabeth Walpole, Catherine Margaret & Thomas Walpole, 1806, Watercolou

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An original c.1806 watercolour painting, Elizabeth Walpole, Portrait of Catherine Margaret & Thomas Walpole.This charming picture is one of a … Read more An original c.1806 watercolour painting, Elizabeth Walpole, Portrait of Catherine Margaret & Thomas Walpole.This charming picture is one of a pair of intimate portraits that we have for sale depicting children of the important Walpole family, by their aunt, Elizabeth Walpole (1759–1842). In the 18th and 19th centuries the Walpoles were one of England’s most influential families.The children depicted are Catherine Margaret (1804–1876) and Thomas Walpole (1805–1881), children of Thomas Walpole (1755–1840) and his wife Lady Margaret (Perceval), who was sister of Prime Minister Spencer Perceval (1762– 1812). The ages of the children date the watercolour to around 1806.Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister—who served George II for over twenty years— was great-uncle to the artist Elizabeth Walpole (and great-great-uncle to the sitters). His son, Horace Walpole, is well known for being a politician, writer and thought leader, who built Strawberry Hill in Twickenham.The artist's father was Thomas Walpole (1727–1803), a director of the East India Company and a very influential politician before his career collapsed following a financial scandal, causing him to sell his house in Carshalton, Surrey. His son, also Thomas (1855-1840)—the two children's father—was British Ambassador to Munich. The children are likely depicted at their family home, Stagbury on Outwood Lane at Chipstead in Surrey.This portrait, and its pair, represent a much more intimate view of the family than is normally witnessed through grand commissioned oils hanging on the walls of the Walpole estates. The composition and costumes are relatively humble—the children captured in a passing moment, playing by a basket of pots.Catherine Margaret Walpole went on to marry James de Teissier, Baron de Teissier. Thomas Walpole would become Rector of Alverstoke in Hampshire.The corners of the paper are clipped as shown. On paper laid down on backing paper.All artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Signed: No. Inscribed: Inscribed lower left. Height: 11.1cm (4.4″) Width: 16cm (6.3″) Condition: Some age toning, foxing and marks. Please see photos for detail. Presented: Unframed. See less