Miniature
ca. 1745 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Mary Churchill (died 1750) was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Both of her parents' miniature portraits are also found in the Gilbert collection. Her husband, John, became 2nd Earl of Montagu in 1709.
Continental artists first introduced enamel painting to England in the 17th century, but it was in the early 18th century that it became fashionable. The young German Christian Friedrich Zincke dominated the market in London. It was Zincke who trained a number of English artists, including William Prewett. Most artists working in enamel were taught by an experienced enameller. It is not known who trained Gervase Spencer this difficult art, but he later taught Henry Spicer, who in turn taught William Birch. In 1794 Birch successfully established himself in America as an enamel painter.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Continental artists first introduced enamel painting to England in the 17th century, but it was in the early 18th century that it became fashionable. The young German Christian Friedrich Zincke dominated the market in London. It was Zincke who trained a number of English artists, including William Prewett. Most artists working in enamel were taught by an experienced enameller. It is not known who trained Gervase Spencer this difficult art, but he later taught Henry Spicer, who in turn taught William Birch. In 1794 Birch successfully established himself in America as an enamel painter.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Enamel on copper, in gold and enamel closed locket frame |
Brief description | Enamel miniature on copper possibly of Mary Churchill, Duchess of Montagu, in a gold and enamel closed locket frame, England, ca.1745, by Christian Friedrich Zincke |
Physical description | Oval portrait miniature of a lady, possibly Mary Churchill, Duchess of Montagu, shown with a light coloured dress and light brown hair. The miniature is enamel on copper and the locket frame is of gold and enamel. |
Dimensions |
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Gallery label | Possibly Mary, Duchess of Montagu
About 1745
Mary Churchill (1689–1751) was the youngest daughter
of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Her
husband, John, became 2nd Duke of Montagu in 1709.
England; studio of Christian Friedrich Zincke
(about 1683–1767)
Enamel on copper in gold and enamel closed locket frame
Museum no. Loan:Gilbert.309-2008(2009) |
Credit line | The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London |
Object history | Provenance: The Earls Spencer, Althorp. D.S. Lavender, London, 01/08/1980. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | Mary Churchill (died 1750) was the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Both of her parents' miniature portraits are also found in the Gilbert collection. Her husband, John, became 2nd Earl of Montagu in 1709. Continental artists first introduced enamel painting to England in the 17th century, but it was in the early 18th century that it became fashionable. The young German Christian Friedrich Zincke dominated the market in London. It was Zincke who trained a number of English artists, including William Prewett. Most artists working in enamel were taught by an experienced enameller. It is not known who trained Gervase Spencer this difficult art, but he later taught Henry Spicer, who in turn taught William Birch. In 1794 Birch successfully established himself in America as an enamel painter. Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996. |
Bibliographic references |
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Other numbers |
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Collection | |
Accession number | LOAN:GILBERT.309-2008 |
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Record created | June 26, 2008 |
Record URL |
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