| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | |
| Published | London; Printed for Robt. Sayer, 53, Fleet Street, 1 Septr. 1786. |
| Dimensions | Image 137 x 110 mm, Plate 148 x 111 mm, Sheet 220 x 148 mm |
| Notes |
Half-length profile portrait of Maria Fitzherbert set within an oval. Facing to the right, she wears a broad-brimmed hat with plumes and a ribbon, a military-stule coat, and a lacy fichu tied like a cravat. Maria Anne Fitzherbert (previously Weld, née Smythe; 1756 - 1837) was a long-term companion of George IV. Prior to George IV's accession to the throne, he and Fitzherbert secretly contracted a marriage in 1785, but it was recognised as invalid under English civil law. Pope Pius VII, however, was persuaded to declare the marriage sacramentally valid. Before her marriage to George IV, Maria Anne was married to Edward Weld. Their marriage in 1775 was abruptly ended after three months when Weld died. In 1778, Maria Anne remarried. Her husband, Thomas Fitzherbert, died only three years later, leaving her widowed once again. Lennox-Boyd i/i, Russell undescribed, Chaloner Smith undescribed. Condition: Staining around plate mark, likely from previous acidic mount. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £120.00 |
| Stock ID | 37656 |