A sensitive and subtly coloured 18th century English portrait of a lady of the Clinton Wellesley family. This fine painting hung for many years in the Drawing Room of 1 Manchester Square, London which was the last residence of the Clinton Wellesley family. The as yet unknown sitter is dressed in the lavish froth, frills and pastel shades which typify the late Rococo style. She wears a pale pink silk dress with ruched strips and ribbons and at her elbow are frilled lace cuffs (typical of the 1750s and 1760s). The layers of lace that cascade from her cuffs are termed ‘engageants’ – and are an expensive and showy status symbol not unless her robe and finely woven hair covering. She is caught in the act of reading, seated on a Chippendale inspired mahogany splat back chair. One arm holds a book casually on her lap, whilst the other rests upon an elaborately carved table and she gazes at us with the most sensitive of expressions. This fine painting is offered ready to hang and enjoy in a later fine quality antique style frame. Thomas Beach Beach was born in Milton Abbas, Dorchester in 1738. During the years 1760-1762 he was a student of Joshua Reynolds. He was a member of the Society of Artists and later settled at the resort of Bath where he was much in demand for his portraits. He held exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts during the 1780's and 90's. He painted famous characters such as actors Sarah Siddons and John Kemble. His portraits are in museum collection tins worldwide including the National Portrait Gallery in London. Provenance: The Drawing Room of 1 Manchester Square. London. Canvas: 28" x 36" / 92cm x 71.5cm. Frame: 44" x 36" / 112cm x 92cm.