Sarah Biffin, later Mrs Wright

Sarah Biffin's history is a remarkable one. Born in Somerset without hands, arms or feet, she taught herself to paint holding the brush between her teeth. In circa 1797 a travelling showman, named Emmanuel Dukes, persuaded her parents to allow her to tour the country with him – exhibiting her talents (and disability) – for a salary of £5 a year. In 1808 she came to the attention of William, 16^th Earl of Morton, who organized for her to receive lessons in London from the Royal Academician William Craig (d. 1827).

Setting up a studio on Bond Street, she soon became very fashionable, in high demand from the aristocracy and receiving the patronage of the Royal family. In later years she was awarded a civil pension by Queen Victoria and retired to marry in Liverpool.

The present still-life, where the soft textures of the feathers is rendered in the most realistic way, displays the full extent of her extraordinary talent.