Miss Laura Dorothea Ross (Mrs Francis Robertson) c. 1798 - 1804

Curator: This is Sir Thomas Lawrence's portrait of Miss Laura Dorothea Ross, later Mrs. Francis Robertson, currently held in the Tate collection. Notice the imposing scale of the support at nearly 2.4 meters. Editor: It's quite a melancholic image, isn't it? The somber background contrasts with the pale gown, creating a fascinating visual tension. Curator: Lawrence masterfully employs classical portraiture tropes here. The harp, the column, and the landscape beyond are all calculated to convey status and refinement. She is positioned as a subject of power. Editor: Indeed. The harp, in particular, strikes me as more symbolic than functional, adding to the sense of idealized beauty. The texture of her dress seems almost liquid, which adds to the overall delicacy of the piece. Curator: I agree. The brushwork is, as always with Lawrence, quite accomplished. We see a very calculated performance of femininity, which is meant to project a particular vision of femininity and grace. Editor: It’s an engaging glimpse into the visual language of aristocracy. The artist, indeed, conveys the idea very well.