Print of Lady Georgiana Spencer, Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire

Lady Georgiana Spencer (1757-1806) was wife to the Fifth Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, and was a celebrated socialite. Georgiana was well-known in her own time and since for her charm, beauty, political influence, socializing, gambling and love affairs. Many surviving portraits of Georgiana show her in highly fashionable dress with large styled hair as was popular in the late 18th century. In this more intimate portrait, by her great-uncle's daughter, Diana, Georgiana is wearing a simpler everyday dress and hairstyle. The original painting is held in the Royal Collection, having been purchased by George IV in 1819.