
Jennifer Tonkin
Co-Head of Department UK


£4,000 - £6,000

Co-Head of Department UK

Co-Head of Department UK

Senior Specialist

Senior Specialist
Sale Coordinator
Maria Compton née Smith (1767-1843) was one of four daughters born to Joshua Smith of Erlestoke Merchant (1735-1819) and his wife, Sarah Gilbert. Maria married Charles Compton (1760-1828) in 1787 and this portrait miniature dates to around this time. In 1796, Maria's father-in-law, Spencer Compton, 8th Earl of Northampton died and her husband, Charles, became 9th Earl of Northampton, making Maria a Countess by the age of thirty. In 1812, Charles was created 1st Marquess Northampton, 1st Earl Compton (Warwickshire) and 1st Baron Wilmington (Sussex). The couple had a son, Lord Spencer Joshua Alwyne Compton, 2nd Marquess of Northampton (1790-1851) and a daughter, Lady Frances Elizabeth Compton (d.1883).