Lavinia, Countess Spencer as Juno

Richard Cosway British
 Sitter Lavinia Spencer, Countess Spencer Irish

Not on view

Cosway here compliments Lavinia Spencer by awarding her the attributes of Juno, including a tiara and peacock. Love is evoked by Cupid who delivers a heart dangling from a ribbon. The daughter of Charles Bingham, 1st Earl of Lucan, the sitter's beauty and intelligence attracted George Spencer, Viscount Althorp and, though she lacked a suitable dowry, the marriage was approved by the groom's parents. Cupid's presence refers to that love match, while the evocation of Juno, protectress of childbirth and domesticity, refers to the couple's twenty-seven year marriage and nine children.

Lavinia, Countess Spencer as Juno, Richard Cosway (British, Oakford, Devon 1742–1821 London), Graphite

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