Portrait miniature of Maria St.John Mildmay, 4th Viscountess Bolingbroke, 1812

This is the only image of the Maria St.John Mildmay, 4th Viscountess Bolingbroke (1790-1836) known to exist. It makes a pair with one of her husband Henry St.John (1786-1851). It is likely the miniatures were painted at the time of their marriage in 1812.

Maria is shown with elegantly plaited hair in an Empire style dress with a blue bodice and ruched sleeves.

The miniature is glazed in a red leather case. A pencil inscription on the painting appears to read 'G Hayter 1812'. George Hayter was a fashionable miniaturist in the 19th century but the early date suggests his father Charles Hayter was the more likely artist.