0477Graces_Reynolds

Young woman in pink dress pouring libation at altar, with child and Three Graces in classical setting

Lady Bunbury’s (1745-1826, Sarah Lennox by birth) story is not to picturesque in real life. Her beauty caught the attention of King George III at a young age, but he married a German princess instead, with Sarah as bridesmaid. Sarah married Charles Bunbury, and this painting was commissioned not too long after. Despite the idyllic qualities she posses in the painting, Lady Bunbury soon gained a bad reputation due to her gambling and adulterous habits. She left her husband after giving birth to her daughter Louisa, whose father was Lord William Gordon. Lady Bunbury later married again, this time to George Napier.

Iconographically, it is somewhat unusual to have the three Graces facing essentially the same direction.

This slide created by C. Monson.