The Hon. Charlotte Clive (1762-1795)
Hugh Douglas Hamilton (Dublin 1739/40 - Dublin 1808)
Category
Art / Drawings and watercolours
Date
1788
Materials
Pastel on paper in giltwood frame
Measurements
245 mm (H); 197 mm (W); 340 mm (H); 300 mm (W)
Place of origin
Rome
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180769
Caption
Probably commissioned during her visit to Rome in 1788, this portrait depicts Charlotte with a flamboyantly coiffured and powdered hairdo, which was the height of aristocratic fashion at this time. The style was perhaps most famously adopted by the celebrated beauty and socialite, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, whose portrait was painted on numerous occasions by leading British artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. The circulation of these images in print played a large part in popularising the fashion throughout the country.
Summary
Pastel on paper, The Hon. Charlotte Clive (1762-1795) by Hugh Douglas Hamilton RHA (Dublin 1739/40 – Dublin 1808), 1788. Oval. Younger daughter of Clive of India. Head and shoulders looking slightly to the left, in a silver dress and fichu. Executed in Rome. Inscription reads 'By Hugh Hamilton W.A.' (Walter Armstrong). Old label verso identifying sitter. Inventory Card has been amended, sitter is Charlotte Clive which matches the photograph of the portrait pasted to card.
Provenance
Brought to Powis Castle from Walcot Hall in 1930. Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963.
Makers and roles
Hugh Douglas Hamilton (Dublin 1739/40 - Dublin 1808)