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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.


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
  • Height: 4.97cm
  • Width: 4.38cm
  • Depth: 0.93cm
Updated with measurements taken 02/09/08
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
  • Coffin, Sarah and Bodo Hofstetter. Portrait Miniatures in Enamel. London: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd. in association with the Gilbert Collection, 2000. 168 p., ill. Cat. no. 77, p. 123. ISBN 0856675334.
  • Catalogue of the Special Exhibition of Portrait Miniatures on Loan at the South Kensington Museum, London, Whittingham & Wilkins, 1865 925
Other numbers
  • 1996.787.1 - The Gilbert Collection, Somerset House
  • MIN 22 - Arthur Gilbert Number
  • 1996.791.1 - The Gilbert Collection, Somerset House
  • MIN 26 - Arthur Gilbert Number
Collection
Accession number
LOAN:GILBERT.309-2008

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Record createdJune 26, 2008
Record URL
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