Consuelo Vanderbilt (1876–1964), Duchess of Marlborough, and Her Son, Lord Ivor Spencer-Churchill (1898–1956)
Strikingly beautiful, elegant, and wealthy, with a distinguished family pedigree to match, Consuelo Vanderbilt was the doyenne of international high society. Boldini, one of the most sought-after portraitists of the day, reportedly asked to paint her when she was visiting Paris, finding her "divine." Delighted with the picture, she requested that he enlarge it and include her youngest son. Using a photograph of the portrait, Boldini developed the present, final composition. Hung in the Duchess’s splendid London residence, its dazzling brushwork and elongated curves proved a fitting complement to her glamorous milieu.
Artwork Details
- Title: Consuelo Vanderbilt (1876–1964), Duchess of Marlborough, and Her Son, Lord Ivor Spencer-Churchill (1898–1956)
- Artist: Giovanni Boldini (Italian, Ferrara 1842–1931 Paris)
- Date: 1906
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 87 1/4 x 67 in. (221.6 x 170.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, 1946
- Object Number: 47.71
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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Giovanni Boldini
1842–1931
Giovanni Boldini
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Giovanni Boldini
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Giovanni Boldini
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