Mrs Mary Robinson (Perdita)
1781
Here sits Mary Robinson, famously known as 'Perdita,' looking effortlessly chic in a ruffled gown while her fluffy dog keeps her company in a moody, wooded landscape. Gainsborough captured her not just as a society beauty, but as a woman of intellect and style—she was actually a famous actress, a poet, and a mistress to the future King George IV! The loose, feathery brushstrokes are classic Gainsborough, giving the whole scene a dreamy, atmospheric vibe that feels more like a snapshot of a romantic stroll than a stiff formal portrait.
Location: Wallace Collection, London
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