Feisty women of the 18th century...in Cincinnati

 Mrs. Siddons

Meet some of the feisty women of the 18th century, whose portraits by the inestimable Thomas Gainsborough are the center of this new exhibition at the Cincinnati Art Museum focusing "on the notions of modernity and femininity in Georgian England."

Ann Ford (Mrs. Philip Thicknesse)

These portraits are considered groundbreaking not only in their subject matter (notorious society women) but also in the way the ladies are portrayed as women firmly in charge of their own destiny.

Mrs. Grace Dalrymple

The life-sized paintings themselves are awe-inspiring.  Gainsborough has managed to capture a moment in time.  The ladies seem as if they are about to shift position or turn their heads and engage you in conversation.  On top of this is the gorgeous period fashion they are wearing, which will give you ideas for your next period gown.  

Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan

 

Also on display is a small collection of period dresses from Cincinnati Art Museum's fashion collection, which gives you a rare chance to examine historical fashion up close.

Thomas Gainsborough and the Modern Woman

Cincinnati Art Museum: September 18th 2010 - January 2, 2011