William Peters R.A. (1741/42-1814) “Lady Elizabeth Compton” Mezzotint

After Rev Matthew William PETERS, R.A. (1741-1814)
"The Rt Honble Lady Elizabeth Compton" (1760-1835)
Mezzotint by John Raphael Smith (1751–1812)
Published, London, 1780

Measures:
39.4 cm x 29.8 cm

A depiction of a young lady, hair up and decorated with pearls, wearing a gown with a large bow to the front. Lettered beneath the image with sitter's title "The Rt Honble Lady Elizabeth Compton" with the publication details "Painted by Wm. Peters. R.A. / Engraved by J.R. Smith / Feby 24th 1780, Published by J.R. Smith No.4 Bateman's Buildings, Soho Square & at No 171 Strand, London".

The sitter was the only child and heir of Charles Compton, 7th Earl of Northampton and his wife Lady Anne Somerset. She was born on 25 June 1760. Both of her parents died in 1763 and part of her inheritance included Compton Place in Eastbourne, Sussex. In1782 she married Lord George Augustus Henry Cavendish, third and youngest son of William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire and his wife, Lady Charlotte Boyle, Baroness Clifford. They had at least 11 children, of whom six children survived to adulthood. Her husband became Earl of Burlington in 1831 and is best remembered as the builder of the Burlington Arcade.