Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Barbara (1768–1829), Marchioness of Donegall

Art Historical Context

This delicate ivory miniature, *Portrait of a Woman, Barbara (1768–9), Marchioness Donegall*, was created around 1790 by Anne Folds Mee, a skilled English miniaturist active in the late 18 century. Measuring just 2 7/8 x 2 1/8 inches in an elegant oval format, it exemplifies the intimate portraiture prized by the Georgian aristocracy. Mee, one of the few prominent female artists of her time, specialized in these tiny gems, capturing the sitter's refined features with exquisite precision on ivory—a smooth, luminous surface ideal for subtle watercolor glazes and fine detailing. Miniatures like ...