Early 18th Century English Portrait of Lady Proby, Circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller

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This listing is for an early 18th century English portrait of a lady in blue circa 1720.

The painting depicts … Read more This listing is for an early 18th century English portrait of a lady in blue circa 1720.

The painting depicts a woman referred to as "Lady Proby."

The painting was professionally lined several years ago and an inscription on the reverse was discovered. It read "Lady Proby. Married 1720. Daughter of Baron Gower. Wife of John Proby of Elton, member of parliament for Huntingdonshire.

Lady Proby was born as Jane Leveson- Gower July 25, 1700 in Northamptonshire. Her father was was John Leveson-Gower (1st Baron Gower) and her mother was Lady Catherine Manners.

She was married in Elton Hall on Jan 5, 1719 at Elton Hall (not 1720).
Lady Proby gave birth to 7 children. She passed away on 6/10/1726 giving birth to her last child.
She was about a month shy of her 26th birthday.

The painting is believed to be by someone from the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, if not by Kneller himself. Kneller (1646-1723) was a well known portrait painter. He was known to have painted quite a few members of Lady Proby's family, including her mother and brother.

This painting comes in a gilt wood frame, possibly a later addition.

Note: Right side is not damaged. It's the glare from lighting and flash. 3rd and 6th photos show the painting without as much glare.

The entire piece measures 34.25 x 29.1 inches See less