Anne Elizabeth Cholmley (1769–1788), Later Lady Mulgrave 1774 - 1797

Painted by Gainsborough Dupont, this miniature depicts Anne Elizabeth Cholmley, later Lady Mulgrave, and offers a glimpse into the life of women in the late 18th century. Anne was part of the English upper class. This portrait represents her status and identity through its delicate rendering and focus on her fashionable attire and elaborate hairstyle, reflecting the period's emphasis on beauty, elegance, and social presentation. Yet, it can also be viewed through a more critical lens: women of Anne’s class were often confined to roles dictated by social expectations, with their value tied to their appearance, marital prospects, and ability to manage a household. Dupont's portrait immortalizes Anne within these societal constraints, reminding us of both the privileges and the limitations experienced by women of her time. It serves as a poignant reflection on identity, class, and the complex interplay between personal life and broader social structures.