Portrait of Lavinia, Countess Spencer (1762-1831) (by William Wood), 1793

William wood portrait of lavinia, countess spencer (1762-1831) watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, gold frame set with pearls, glazed hair reverse, later engraved inscription 65 by 55 mm. This miniature is recorded in the artist's account book: 'no. 5229. Countess spencer, in a fancy dress, a turban of white and gold, 5th size, about 27, finished 29th may, 1793, delivered 1 june, 5 guineas. ' the sitter was the eldest daughter of charles bingham, 1st earl of lucan. Her mother, lady lucan, was an accomplished artist who painted portrait miniatures, often copies of earlier works. In 1782 lavinia married george viscount althorp, later 2nd earl spencer. Date: 1793.