AFTER SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS (EARLY 19TH CENTURY)
MRS MARY NESBIT, OIL ON CANVAS

AFTER SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS (EARLY 19TH CENTURY)
Mrs Mary Nesbitt
oil on canvas
63 x 75 cm

The original painted in 1781, held by The Wallace Collection, London

Mary Davis (c.1735–1825) rose from humble origins to marry the banker Alexander Nesbitt by 1762. She was apparently roundly unfaithful to her husband, who died insane and bankrupt in 1772. She then became the acknowledged mistress of the 3rd Earl of Bristol. Following his death in 1779, she benefited considerably from his will. The present picture, depicting Mrs. Nesbitt with the traditional symbol of Innocence, a dove, may have been intended to rehabilitate her reputation following the death of her protector.