Elizabeth Croft (1769-1859)
William Beetham (1809 - 1888)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1834 - 1853
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
514 x 446 mm (20 1/4 x 17 1/2 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Croft Castle, Herefordshire
NT 537613
Summary
Oil painting on canvas on board (oval), Elizabeth Croft (1769-1859) by William Beetham (fl.1777-1853). An oval portrait of an elderly woman, head and shoulder in profile to left, weringa black dress, whitel lace collar and bonnet tied under the chin. Daughter of Herbert Croft by his second wife, Mary Chawner. He himself was the only son of Francis Croft, d. 1724, 2nd surviving son of 1st Bt. Close friend of Lawrence and Keightleys.
Provenance
Her letters from Lawrence and manuscript of her 'Recollections of Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA, during an intimacy of nearly 30 years' were left to the National Trust in 1972 together with this and a portrait of Mrs Wolff, by Mrs Owen Croft, also Lawrence's ivory figure and self-portrait miniature. Given on 9th May 1935 to Major Owen Croft by Miss Mary Keightley. Letters deposited in the Royal Academy Library but 'Recollections' shown at the property; bequeathed by Stella Isabel Bouwer, Mrs Owen Croft (b. c. 1885 - 1972)
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: Later label recording 1935 gift, as above Verso: Early 20th century label on back: Painted by William BEETHAM. Portrait of Elizabeth Croft, half sister of Sir Robert Croft....[family].... William Beetham is known by the circle as painter of great merit
Makers and roles
William Beetham (1809 - 1888), publisher