Engraver
John Finlayson
, British, c.1730-c.1776
After
Catherine Read
Title
Maria, Countess of CoventryDate1771
MediumMezzotint
Dimensions
Plate: 49.5 x 35 cm
Sheet: 51.5 x 36.3 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1887
Object numberNGI.10391
DescriptionPortrait of Maria, Countess of Coventry (1733-1760). Before her marriage to the 9th Earl of Coventry, she and her sisters Catherine and Elizabeth, daughters of James Gunning, were renowned as the beauties of the age. Catherine Read was a Scottish portrait painter in crayons, who also worked occasionally as a miniaturist. She studied under Quentin de la Tour in Paris.InscriptionLower centre (below image, lettered): C: Read pinxt./ J: Finlayson fect:/ Publish'd May 15th: 1771, & Sold by Mr: Finlayson, Orange Street, Leicester Fields; handwritten inscription below image: Maria, Countess of Coventry / Humbly dedicated to her Grace the Duchess of Argyll