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Find your local specialistGeorge Engleheart (British, 1750/3-1829)
Gold frame with gilt-metal reverse.
Oval, 64mm (2 1/2in) high
Provenance: Mrs. Frederick Bridges Schaw, niece of the sitter
by descent through her grandson to the Protheroe-Benyon Family
Literature: G.C.Williamson, George Engleheart, London, 1902, p.30
G.C.Williamson, George Engleheart, London, 1902, Appendix I, p.98
Footnotes
Eva Maria Veigel was a Viennese dancer, known as "La Violette". She came to London from her native Austria in 1746 and enchanted audiences at her Haymarket debut. Although she had refused to perform for the celebrated David Garrick at his Drury Lane Theatre, in 1749 she married him, much to the dismay of his long-time mistress and leading lady. Despite this and other difficulties (the bride was Roman Catholic and initially spoke little English), the Garricks' marriage, though childless, was a happy one. "La Violette" retired from the stage to devote herself to her husband, and the couple remained inseparable until his death 30 years later. Known for her graciousness and hospitality, Mrs. Garrick survived another 43 years, and after her death at age 98 was reunited with her spouse in the Poets' Corner.
Mrs Garrick is recorded in Engleheart's fee book as having sat for her portrait in 1796.