Jemima Yorke (1763–1804), Mrs Reginald Pole-Carew 1784

George Romney painted this portrait of Jemima Yorke, Mrs. Reginald Pole-Carew, during the late 18th century, a time when portraiture was a powerful tool for establishing social status. Consider the identity of the sitter, Jemima Yorke, born into a lineage of nobility. Her marriage into the Pole-Carew family further solidified her position within the British aristocracy. Romney's depiction adheres to conventions of the time, emphasizing her beauty and refined demeanor. Yet, there’s a certain softness in her gaze, an almost melancholic expression, which hints at the complexities of life beneath the surface of aristocratic life. In commissioning this portrait, Jemima Yorke actively participated in the construction of her public image, presenting herself as a woman of elegance and grace. The painting serves as a window into the lives of women during this era, reflecting both the privileges and the constraints they experienced.