21 Nov 2007
14:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street
Fine Portrait Miniatures, including the Collection of an American Gentleman formed over thirty five years
Back to auction 15265
Fine Portrait Miniatures, including the Collection of an American Gentleman formed over thirty five years
Back to auction 15265
Bernard Lens (British, 1682-1740)
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), wearing open robe held with jewelled brooch and pearl pins, white underslip, cloak over her right shoulder and left arm, jewelled earring, her hair curled and falling over her shoulders.
Plumbago on vellum, signed on the obverse and dated B. Lens/ Delin/ 1705, original turned horn frame with silver plaque engraved Sarah Duchess of Marlborough/ by Bernard Lens 1705/ 1680-1740.
Oval, 98mm (3 7/8in) high
Plumbago on vellum, signed on the obverse and dated B. Lens/ Delin/ 1705, original turned horn frame with silver plaque engraved Sarah Duchess of Marlborough/ by Bernard Lens 1705/ 1680-1740.
Oval, 98mm (3 7/8in) high
Sold for
£1,200
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Sarah Churchill (née Jenyns or Jennings) rose to become one of the most influential women in British history, thanks to her close friendship with Queen Anne (1665-1714). Her strong personality, forceful nature and formidable intelligence allowed her to gain considerable influence over the shy and retiring monarch and leading public figures frequently petitioned her in the hope that she would persuade Anne to meet their demands. Sarahs charisma and inside knowledge of government affairs allowed her to become a powerful friend and a dangerous enemy.
Married to John Churchill (1650-1722), the military hero created Duke of Marlborough in 1702, Sarah's commitment to the Whig cause often put her at odds with the queen, who favoured the Tories. Appointed Mistress of the Robes, and sharing with her husband the riches and favours Anne heaped upon her, Sarah enjoyed many years of almost unprecedented power at Court, before her overbearing behaviour and sharp tongue finally alienated Anne in 1710. She did, however, go on to recover a measure of her former prestige under the Hanoverians and died one of the richest women in the land.
Category: Fine Art / Portrait Miniatures
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