Mrs. Anne Walbanke-Childers 1843 - 1864

George Richmond made this watercolour portrait of Mrs. Anne Walbanke-Childers in England, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. It exemplifies the Victorian era’s fascination with portraiture as a means of documenting social standing and personal identity. The painting reflects several aspects of the subject’s cultural milieu. We can assume that Anne belonged to the upper-middle class, based on the trappings of wealth on display: her dress, jewelry and the detailed interior setting. Richmond's work also captures the Victorian emphasis on respectability and decorum, seen in Anne’s reserved pose and modest attire. The fan in her left hand is a nod to conventional standards of feminine beauty. It also serves as a visual reminder of the rigid social rules that governed courtship and gender relations. By delving into sources from the period, like etiquette guides, fashion magazines, and social histories, we can better understand the social codes embedded in this artwork, and use it as a historical document.