Thomas Gainsborough's sister (Sarah) married Philip Dupont, a carpenter of Sudbury in Suffolk. Their eldest son, baptised Gainsborough Dupont in 1754, worked in Gainsborough's studio (first as an apprentice) from 1772 until his uncle's death in 1788. He was known chiefly as a copyist and engraver of his uncle's portraits. He was left a legacy of one hundred pounds in settlement of all claims, with the request that he be given "such of my models, implements and utensils and such like things" as might be useful to him. It has been said that after 1788, Dupont continued to work in a Gainsboroughesque style and that his reputation continually suffered from an unfair comparison with his uncle's work.
Thomas Gainsborough himself painted Mary Graham four times with the first sittings taking place early in 1775 when she and her husband were in London - which they were for the early period of their marriage. Mary Graham died off Hyères in the South of France in 1792. Thomas Graham then became a soldier, with the rank of General, a Member of Parliament and hero of the Peninsular War. He was created Baron Lynedoch and died in 1843. They had no children and he never re-married. It is reputed that after the death of his beloved wife, Thomas Graham could not bear the pain of living within sight of her portraits. They were housed with friends, boxed up and variously stored in variety of locations for many years. Thomas Gainsborough's full length portrait of her is at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. It was exhibited in London in 1777 at the Royal Academy.
A fourth sketch of Mary Graham by Gainsborough, in oils and oval in shape (10" x 8") is known to exist. It was also a study for the finished portrait. In addition, a miniature portrait of her is known to have been painted by the artist Richard Cosway, executed after her death and using the "Kitcat" portrait as a reference. The whereabouts of this work in unknown. |
Great Historic Scottish Families - this site - ayrshireroots.com - provides many interesting Scottish family histories and links. It is well worth visiting. For Cathcart family references and expanded detail on Mary/her sisters & family etc., click on the relevant link in the list. |