Jane Weller, Lady Wilson, known as 'Dame Jane' (1749-1818) (after Giovanni Trossarelli)

R. C. Saunders (fl.1879). Oil painting on canvas, Jane Weller, Lady Wilson (1749-1818) (after Giovanni Trossarelli), by R. C. Saunders (fl.1879). A three-quarter-length portrait of a woman, seated, facing, on a terrace with Charlton House, Greenwich in the background; on the table beside her a piece of paper inscribed: Lady Wilson/Charlton House/Kent; and holding on her lap an open manuscript book, lettered: Second Days Sale/[--- ---]/Shells/China. She was known as 'Dame Jane'. The names of the artists are inscribed on the back of the canvas, with the date 1879 [recte 1829?]. Nothing appears to be known about R.C. Saunders. [If the date on the reverse is actually 1829, then it is possible that R.C. Saunders is identifiable with Robert Saunders, b.1774, a miniature painter who exhibited at the RA 1790-1828 (see Foskett 1972)]. who was evidently copying a portrait by Giovanni Trossarelli, an Italian artist who exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1793-1825. Giovanni is sometimes confused with his brother, Gaspare (1763-1825), who is said to have arrived in London in 1790 with Giovanni and to have also exhibited at the RA 1793-1825. However, Foskett (Dictionary of British Miniature Painters, 1972) found no evidence that Gaspare ever exhibited in London and suggests that he may never have been in England. Wallington, Northumberland (Accredited Museum)