An exceptionally fine, large-format English Important portrait miniature and historically interesting English portrait miniature depicting Lady Isabella Anne Brydges (née Beresford, 1776–1850) of Wootton Park, Kent, dating to circa 1812, during the Regency period. Attributed to Peter Edward Stroely (1768–1826), during his British period. The portrait depicts Lady Isabella wearing an elegant white, high-waisted Empire-style gown, delicately embroidered on the sleeves and bodice. A light tan gauze stole is gracefully draped over her arms. Her hair is styled in short, fashionable curls framing her face, characteristic of the Regency period. Executed in watercolours on a natural substrate, the miniature is housed in a gilt-metal frame with a dark red velvet-covered card backing, the original velvet having been replaced. Her name, "Lady Isabella Brydges", is engraved along the lower edge of the frame. Historical Background Lady Isabella Anne Beresford was born on 28 May 1776, the daughter of George de la Poer Beresford, 1st Marquess of Waterford, and Elizabeth Monck. She belonged to a prominent Anglo-Irish aristocratic family with significant political, ecclesiastical and social connections. Her brother, Lord John George Beresford, subsequently became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. On 1 April 1812, Isabella married Sir John William Head Brydges of Wootton Park, Kent. The couple had three children: John, Elizabeth and Isabella. Lady Isabella died in May 1850, and her death was recorded in The Illustrated London News of 16 May 1850. The Jane Austen Connection Of particular historical interest is the Brydges family's connection to the literary and social circle of Jane Austen (1775–1817). Sir Samuel Egerton Brydges, Isabella's brother-in-law, was a noted English writer, poet and genealogist who is mentioned in Austen's correspondence. The wider Brydges family also had connections with people known to Austen during her visits to Kent, particularly through the family of Anne Lefroy, an important figure in Austen's life. it is likely that the two met at some time. Jane visited several times Isabella’s mother-in-law Jeminah, when she was staying with her (Jane’s) brother Edward, in Kent. Jane mentions Sir Egerton Brydges in her letters several times, and he was Isabella’s brother-in-law. these family associations place Lady Isabella within the wider social world of Regency England in which Austen lived and wrote. Artist: Attributed to Peter Edward Stroely (1768–1826), British period. Date: Circa 1812. Origin: England. Style: Regency portrait miniature, half-length portrait. Technique: Watercolours on a natural substrate. Dimensions: Approximately 10.7 × 7.1 cm. Frame: Gilt-metal frame with dark red velvet-covered reverse; the velvet has been replaced. Inscription: "Lady Isabella Brydges", engraved on the lower edge of the frame. Provenance: Private Collection.
Auction 02: Rare 18th–19th Century Portrait Miniatures & Mourning Jewellery — Melis Antiques & Art