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Francis Cotes , English, 1726-1770

Title

Portrait of Anne Hamilton, Countess of Donegall (1731-1780)

Date1766

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

231 x 145 cm

Signedlower left: F. Cotes pxt 1766

Credit LinePurchased, 1890

Object numberNGI.373

Label TextLady Anne Hamilton was a Scottish noblewoman who became Countess of Donegall when she married Arthur Chichester, 5th Earl of Donegall. Their infant daughter Henrietta died the same year that this portrait was painted; the couple later had four children who survived childhood. The artist Cotes began his career producing portraits in pastel, before expanding his practice to oil painting. In 1764 he employed artist Peter Toms as a drapery painter. Cotes was instrumental in the establishment of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1768.