Sunday Best

The artist had been commissioned and the agreed day for the sitting had dawned. But which dress to wear? The choice was endless but finally the shimmering gold silk gown was laid out and felt right. But then it needed to be accessorised, first with a lace fill-in and ruff for modesty and a flouncy cap to keep her curls in place. The cap was dusted off and promptly threaded through with a matching gold silk ribbon. Then out came the precious jewellery box. Those luscious pearl drop earrings were a must  – they had been such an expensive gift after all – along with the double strand pearl bracelet. The final piece needed to be more personal and so the circular pendant featuring the family crest and jewelled initial became the pièce de résistance. Now all that was required was the delicate Chantilly lace wrap to ward off the draught as she sat serenely for however long was required of her, be it one hour or six hours.

Drawn in pastel on paper and residing in the original gilt wood frame. Alas the significance of the initial W on her pendant has been lost to history.

Having been apprenticed to the drapery trade, John Raphael Smith (1751-1812) was self-taught as an artist before opening a printing business. It was portraiture though, pre-dominantly drawn in pastels, that became his true vocation. He was prolific in this field travelling throughout England as he worked before settling ultimately in Yorkshire. Two of his children inherited his artistic skills and became listed artists.