Angelica Kauffman R.A., The Coutts Sisters, Frances, Sophie and Susan, c. 1790

1790

Medium

Oil over graphite sketch, on handmade paper; later mounted on canvas

Dimensions

25 × 20 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-149613

This recently rediscovered picture is a bozzetto for a portrait of the Coutts sisters by Angelica Kauffman, painted during their Grand Tour through Italy in 1790-91. The three sisters were daughters of Thomas Coutts (1735 – 1822), director of the prominent London banking house Coutts & Co., and his wife, Susan Starkie (c. 1733 – 1815), who commissioned the work during their time in Rome. Seated on the left is Frances (‘Fanny’, c. 1773 – 1832), resting her right arm on a lyre. In 1800, she married John Stuart, the 1st Marquess of Bute and son of Lady Bute, née Wortley Montagu. In the centre is Sophia (1775 – 1844), who became Lady Burdett upon her marriage to Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Bt, in 1793. Finally, on the right is Susan (1771 – 1837), who married George Augustus North, 3rd Earl of Guildford, in 1789, becoming the Countess of Guildford.