Jean-Baptiste van Loo

three-quarter length standing, wearing a blue, embroidered dress, with an ermine lined cloak, a cushion and coronet beyond

The Pelham Family;
by descent

O. Millar, Tudor, Stuart and Early Georgian Pictures in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, 1963, Vol. I, p.179  

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in reasonably good condition. There are a small number of minor scratches to the lower portion of the canvas and there is a layer of discoloured varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish and reveals small scattered spots of residue overall. There are no apparent signs of recent retouching or restoration. FRAME Held in a British Rococo carved and gilded 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 daughter of George II. She was born at Herrenhausen in Hanover, and later moved to England with her sisters in 1714. She was very well educated with a particular love of music, and was also an enthusiastic rider with a passion for hunting. It is recorded that when over forty she still shocked the congregation at Hampton Court by attending chapel 'in riding clothes with a dog under her arm'. Her assertive character made her many enemies, but she gathered around her in her household a group of witty and well-read friends such as Walpole. In 1751 she was made Ranger of Richmond Park and had her own house, New Lodge. Her attempts to close the park to the public led to widespread controversy and ended up in court. In later life she moved to Cavendish Square, and in 1761 bought Gunnersbury House in Ealing where she worked to improve the gardens.

Van Loo came to England in 1737 and George Vertue mentions Princess Amelia as amongst his first royal patrons (Notebooks, Vol. III, p. 84). The present portrait is a version of the picture in the Royal Collection probably painted in early 1738.