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Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780–1867)
Portrait of Lady Glenbervie, née Catherine Anne North, 1816
Graphite
Signed, inscribed, and dated in graphite at lower right, Ingres Del. a / Rome 1816.
8 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches (210 x 165 mm)
Bequest of Mrs. Jacob M. Kaplan, 1998; 1998.19
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"Thank God I have with me here my dearest and best friend, my companion, my counsel, the object of my uninterrupted and dearest affection for almost twenty-nine years," wrote Lord Glenbervie, referring to his wife, who had traveled with him to Rome. His memoirs reveal that Lady Glenbervie made the most of their stay, frequenting local social events, such as masquerade balls and theatrical performances. Although she was suffering from poor health when she sat for this portrait, she is nonetheless beautifully clothed—apparently in a dress of embroidered silk, which is rapidly indicated. As was customary in his portrait drawings, Ingres paid closest attention to her face, but he seems to have been equally enchanted with her elaborate English bonnet trimmed with muslin, ribbons, and flowers.

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