Portrait of Lady Georgiana Spencer, later the Duchess of Devonshire

Lady Powell (1761-1831), previously known as Mrs. Farmer, and subsequently as Mrs. Reneaud, actress, made her first appearance, under the name of Mrs. Farmer, at the Haymarket as Alicia in “Jane Shore’ in 1787. She remained at Drury Lane for several seasons, during which her name was constantly coupled with that of Mrs. Siddons in parts of importance. Mrs. Powell’s long connection with Drury Lane lasted till 1811, and during the period she played very many important parts, such as Andromache or Lady Macbeth. In the autumn of 1811 Mrs. Powell migrated to Covent Garden, where she opened as Lady Capulet and again supported Mrs. Siddons who was playing her last season.

Reynolds was an English painter, collector and writer. The foremost portrait painter in England in the 18th century, he transformed early Georgian portraiture by greatly enlarging its range. His poses, frequently based on the Old Masters or antique sculpture, were intended to invoke classical values and to enhance the dignity of his sitters. His rich colour, strong lighting and free handling of paint greatly influenced the generation of Thomas Lawrence and Henry Raeburn. His history and fancy pictures explored dramatic and emotional themes that became increasingly popular with both artists and collectors in the Romantic period. As first president of the Royal Academy in London, he did more than anyone to raise the status of art and artists in Britain. His Discourses on Art, delivered to the students and members of the Academy between 1769 and 1790, are the most eloquent and widely respected body of art criticism by any English writer.

He was most interested in promoting his career and the portraiture of famous and noble people was his favorite subject – his drawings are virtually unknown.