Called Hannah Lightfoot, Mrs Axford (1730-c.1759), 'The Fair Quakeress'
Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA (Plympton 1723 - London 1792)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1756
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
815 x 665 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Knole, Kent
NT 129932
Caption
Since the 19th century, the subject of this portrait has been identified as Hannah Lightfoot (b.1730), also known as ‘The Fair Quaker’, who was reputedly abducted by the young George III (then Prince of Wales) – with whom she was having an affair – soon after her marriage to Isaac Axford in the 1750s. This identification is now queried, particularly in view of the 3rd Duke’s original records, which refer to the portrait as of ‘Miss’ as opposed to ‘Mrs’ Axford. However, an alternative sitter is yet to be proposed, as are the reasons for its purchase by the 3rd Duke.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Called Hannah Lightfoot, Mrs Axford (1730-c.1759), 'The Fair Quakeress', by Sir Joshua Reynolds (Plympton 1723 - London 1792), circa 1756. A painted oval half-length portrait of a young woman, turned to the right, gazing to the right, brown hair dressed back with a pink ribbon, in white satin dress edged with lace and decorated with pink bows, with a pink ribbon frill around her neck.
Provenance
On loan from the Trustees of the Sackville Estate
Makers and roles
Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA (Plympton 1723 - London 1792), publisher