Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol (1676-1741)
Bernard Lens III (London 1681 – Knightsbridge 1740)
Category
Art / Miniatures
Date
1711
Materials
Watercolour on ivory
Measurements
6.9 x 4.5 cm
Order this imageCollection
Ickworth, Suffolk
NT 851871
Summary
Portrait miniature, watercolour on ivory, Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol (1676-1741) by Bernard Lens III (London 1681 – Knightsbridge 1740). 1711. Oval. Half-length portrait of a young woman, turned slightly to the right, head inclined to the left, gazing at the spectator, holding a book with her right hand, wearing a long bright blue scarf head-dress. Brown eyes, long dark-brown hair, pale complexion modelled with firm blue strokes. Plain drab background. Engraved on back of gold locket 'Elizabeth Felton 2nd wife of Earl of Bristol, by Bernard Lens'. Gold mount. The portrait appears to be intended as a Madonna.
Provenance
Part of the Bristol Collection. Acquired by the National Trust in 1956 under the auspices of the National Land Fund, later the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Commissioned by the Earl of Bristol in 1711. The Earl's Expense Book contains several references to works by Bernard Lens, including '17 Feb 1711 Paid Mr Lens for ye copy of Raphael's Madonna at Kensington, £7.10.6' and '24 March 1711 Paid Bernard Lens for ye copy of dear wife her picture £5.7.6'. Lens also painted ring-pictures of the Earl and his second wife.
Marks and inscriptions
Elizabeth Felton 2nd wife of Earl of Bristol, by Bernard Lens.
Makers and roles
Bernard Lens III (London 1681 – Knightsbridge 1740), artist