Attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt. 1646 - 1723

Three-quarter length, seated, wearing a blue dress

Anon. sale, Christie's, 23rd March 1979, lot 134

The canvas has been lined. There would appear to be no evidence of tears or damages. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some scattered retouchings to the background, and to the sitter's drapery. There is evidence of some older retouching to the sitter's face. Held in a carved wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The sitter was the fourth and youngest daughter of Richard Jenyns (c.1618-1668) of Sandridge, St Albans, and his wife, Frances Thornhurst (1615-1693).

James, Duke of York appointed her a maid of honour to his wife, Mary of Modena, in 1673, and it was at court that she met John Churchill (1650-1722). They married in secret in the winter of 1677-8, and it was an unusually happy marriage for the period. The combination of her close relationship with Mary II and her husband’s military successes resulted in rapid social and financial advancement. She had a strong influence over Princess Anne, later Queen Anne (1665–1714), youngest daughter of the Duke of York, who idolised her.

Churchill rose to become General and Allied Commander-in-Chief during the Wars of the Spanish Succession. He was a superb military strategist and he had a remarkable ability to analyse and to react to changing tactical situations in the heat of battle.

He was rewarded after the battle of Blindheim (Blenheim), on 13th August 1704 by Queen Anne and a grateful nation, with the Manor of Woodstock and the promise of the funds needed to build a Palace. Designed by Vanbrugh, the Duke also ensured that Blenheim Palace became a monument to Queen Anne. However, when they fell out of favour with the Queen Royal funds for the Palace dried up, and building came to a halt in the summer of 1712. The remaining work was at the Duke’s own expense, and after his death Sarah concentrated on completing Blenheim as the major memorial to her husband, which included the triumphal arch at the Woodstock entrance by Hawksmoor and the column of victory surmounted by Robert Pitt's lead statue of Marlborough.