776 - J. HOPPNER (1758-1810), A graceful portrait of the Duchess of Rutland, 1803, Stipple engraving

J. HOPPNER (1758-1810), A graceful portrait of the Duchess of Rutland, 1803, Stipple engraving John Hoppner (1758 Whitechapel, London - 1810 London): Elizabeth, Duchess of Rutland in a classical half-length portrait, 1803, Stipple engraving Technique: Stipple engraving on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Painted by J. Hoppner R. A. | Engraved by C. Wilkin". Date: 1803 Description: This graceful portrait shows Elizabeth, Duchess of Rutland, as the ideal of feminine elegance around 1800 - in a flowing empire dress with a deep V-neckline and finely gathered fabric band. Her gently sidelong gaze, nobly modelled face and loosely tied headband lend the depiction a classically beautiful appearance, inspired by antique models. The virtuoso stippling technique, combined with subtle lighting, emphasises her attractive aura and makes the sheet a particularly charming example of British aristocratic portraits from the early 19th century. Person: Duchess Elizabeth Manners, of Rutland (1780 - 1825 Bottesford, Leicestershire) Keywords: Elizabeth Duchess of Rutland; Beauty; Female portrait; Empire style; Classicism; 1803; Nobility; Elegance; Half figure; Lady portrait; Headband; Fashion around 1800; Aristocratic grace; Classical ideal; Punctuated stitch; Charles Wilkin; English aristocracy; Noble appearance; Fine features; Decorative; Wall decoration; 19th century; Classicism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 25,2 cm x 19,5 cm (9,9 x 7,7 in), Depiction: 21,5 cm x 18,1 cm (8,5 x 7,1 in) Condition: Good condition. Slightly discoloured due to age. With foxing along the margins, the motif remains largely unaffected. The printed image is well preserved and finely differentiated in toning.