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Nothing softens a hallway like a painted surface. Portrait of Lady Elizabeth Croft (1755-1815) by John Constable arrives as a hand painted oil painting on canvas, offering the figurative detail, soft gradients, and tactile finish that portrait oil painting shoppers look for.
Oil on canvas
29 x 24.25 in.
The beautiful Lady Elizabeth Croft was a daughter of David Lewis of Malvern Hall, Warwickshire. On 25th September 1795, she married Sir Herbert Croft, 5th Bt. as his second wife. Although Sir Herbert was much admired as an author (his works included Love and Madness, published in 1780) he frequently found himself in financial difficulties. The day after his marriage to Elizabeth he was arrested and imprisoned in Exeter jail, and his wife fled to Europe where she remained for the rest of her life.
In 1808 the Earl and Countess of Dysart invited the young artist John Constable to copy portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds in their collection. Perhaps under pressure from his parents who sincerely wished him to apply himself to portrait painting, Constable accepted the invitation. He also subsequently accepted a similar commission from Lady Heathcote. It is during Constable's time with the Dysarts that this portrait is believed to have been commissioned by Elizabeth's sister Magdalena, Countess of Dysart.[i] The portrait is based upon the earlier portrait of Elizabeth by the fashionable artist Daniel Gardner (now untraced, see Dr. G.C. Williamson, Daniel Gardiner, 1929, p. 7, illus.).
As C.R. Leslie suggests, "what he [Constable] learnt about the technique of flesh painting, how to build it up solidly, but so that it should be brilliant, not opaque, became of great value to him in enriching his skies."[ii] Portraits such as this are therefore integral to understanding the early developments of Constable as an artist. If this portrait and his later tender portrayals of his wife Maria Bicknell are considered together we can perhaps appreciate Constable's underestimated abilities as a portraitist.
Collectors often choose this figurative image when searching for portrait oil painting that feels substantial rather than decorative or disposable.
Expect subtle, hand-made variation rather than factory uniformity. Each figurative canvas is painted with oils, allowed to cure properly, and inspected before it is approved for shipment.
Wondering where portrait oil painting looks best? Try a hallway mantel, a dining room sideboard, or a hallway gallery wall. The figurative subject reads clearly from a distance and rewards close viewing up near.
Order Portrait of Lady Elizabeth Croft (1755-1815) as a hand painted oil painting on canvas and add lasting romantic character to your hallway. Custom sizes, a digital proof before dispatch, and secure worldwide shipping are included.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 20 X 24 in | $77.98 |
| 24 X 36 in | $120.48 |
| 30 X 40 in | $166.48 |
| 36 X 48 in | $221.48 |
| 48 X 72 in | $430.48 |
The sizes shown are the reproduction canvas sizes we paint to order. The dimensions given in a work's description refer to the original artwork and will differ from the sizes offered here. Not sure? Read the size guide or e-mail us.
Free on orders over $60; a flat $5 below that. Dispatched in 1–2 business days; 30 days to send it back. Full policy.
Every canvas is painted by hand in oils on artist-grade stretched canvas, with an extra blank border left for framing. How to care for your painting.
Measurements are on the size guide, or e-mail [email protected] and we reply within one business day.
