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The sitter of this portrait is Maria Walpole, Countess Waldegrave, later H.R.H. Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh (1736-1807). She was renowned for her good looks and lively wit.
The present portrait is typical of Cotes's portraits of the beautiful and fashionable ladies of English high society. Cotes excelled in representing costumes, which is superbly illustrated in the folds, reflections and differing textures of Maria's garments.
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