Artwork
Mrs. Davies Davenport
Mrs. Davies Davenport is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist George Romney. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
George Romney painted Charlotte Sneyd seated in fine dress, her face calm and relaxed. He took care with the details, from the folds of her gown to the play of light and shadow that gives the picture depth. Oil on canvas, 1783.
Subject & Meaning
Painted by George Romney in 1783, the work was commissioned by the sitter's husband to commemorate the marriage and to assert the family's social standing.
The portrait shows Charlotte Sneyd, the wife of Davies Davenport, as a symbol of elite domestic virtue and marital alliance in late‑18th‑century England. Painted by George Romney in 1783, the work was commissioned by the sitter's husband to commemorate the marriage and to assert the family's social standing. Its function as a status marker is reflected in the documented provenance, which traces the painting from its creation for the Davenports through successive family ownership to its acquisition by the National Gallery of Art.
The depiction of Charlotte Sneyd thus embodies both personal identity and the broader cultural emphasis on lineage and respectability.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1783, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 76.5 cm in height by 64 cm in width. Classified as a painting within the portrait genre, the piece depicts Charlotte Sneyd.
The available records confirm the medium and dimensions but do not provide specific details regarding the artist's handling of the paint, the current physical condition of the surface, or an analysis of formal stylistic qualities such as brushwork or composition.
History & Provenance
George Romney painted Mrs. Davies Davenport in 1783, portraying Charlotte Sneyd. The portrait was commissioned by Davies Davenport for his wife and remained in the family, passing by descent to Sir William Bromley‑Davenport before its sale at Christie, Manson & Woods in 1926. Duveen Brothers then sold it to Andrew W. Mellon in April 1928; Mellon later bequeathed the work to the National Gallery of Art in 1937. The painting's creation history is documented in the National Gallery's collection records and the Getty Provenance Index.
Overview
Created in 1783 by George Romney, Mrs. Davies Davenport is an oil on canvas portrait. The painting captures Charlotte Sneyd, presenting her seated in an elegant pose. This work exemplifies Romney's skill in capturing the likeness and demeanor of his subjects during the late 18th century, showcasing a characteristic example of his portraiture.
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Artist & collection
Artist
George Romney (26 December 1734 – 15 November 1802) was an English painter. He was the most fashionable artist of his day, painting many leading society figures – including his artistic muse, Emma Hamilton, mistress of Lord Nelson.
