Heart on her Sleeve

It is well-recorded that in addition to preparatory sketches for large-scale oil portraits, Sir Thomas Lawrence drew portrait studies of friends and family. This fine drawing of Mary Wynell-Mynow is one such example. Languidly resting, Mary is dressed in the height of Regency fashion in an elegant empire-line dress, a wrap thrown over her shoulders and a delicate flower sprig on her corsage. Her floaty headdress runs beneath her chin and is secured in her hair with a ribbon bow. Mary’s only jewellery is a narrow bracelet featuring a symbolic red heart.

Born in 1777, Mary was the eldest daughter of Mayow Wynell-Mayow and his wife Mary (née Paulin). Mayow was a solicitor in the Excise Office, a position which enabled him to make private land deals to increase his wealth. Mary and her four sisters were celebrated in their day for their intelligence, integrity and refinement. They held regular soirées hosting artists, writers, politicians and poets. Lawrence was almost certainly amongst their guests.

An oil portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence of Mary’s father was previously sold by a London gallery and Mary’s name appears in a list at the National Portrait Gallery compiled by Kenneth Garlick of known portrait studies completed by Lawrence. A sketch of Mary’s sister Frances, also by Lawrence, was published as a lithograph in 1807.

This portrait has been cleaned and a tear above the sitter’s head professionally restored to render it almost invisible. Aside from slight rippling to the paper in the undrawn area, the portrait is in fine condition. It is presented in a period giltwood frame. The frame has chipped edges as well as tarnishing and loss to the gilding but that all adds to the magnetic charm of the portrait.