Portrait of Topham Beauclerk (1739-1780) by George Perfect Harding, 19th Century
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Few images exist of Topham Beauclerk, 2nd husband of Lady Diana Spencer (2nd Viscountess Bolingbroke) and for whom Diana underwent a much publicised divorce.
Topham, a friend of Dr Johnson and a leading light in London's fashionable intelligentsia, sadly proved to be an unsatisfactory husband for Diana. Ill-health, an increasingly bad temper and his addiction to laudanum blighted their marriage. His death in 1780 left her in straightened circumstances and led to her becoming a professional artist in order to supplement her income.
This watercolour and graphite drawing, owned by The British Museum, is by George Perfect Harding, a copy from an original portrait.
At Lydiard House you can see a painting of Lady Diana by George Perfect Harding in the blue boudoir which is dedicated to her artistic works.
- Year:
- c. 1740
- Artist:
- Drawing by George Perfect Harding
- Type:
- Portrait
- Location:
- The British Museum
- Reference:
- 1878, 0713. 21
- Copyright:
- The Trustees of The British Museum
- Last updated on:
- Tuesday 27th September 2022
