After Robert Home

Mary Cairnes, or Lady Blayney (c. 1703–1790), is portrayed here at the age of 81, as suggested by the small inscription in the lower right corner of the canvas. She became a widow rather early in her life and was known to be a passionate art connoisseur and collector. This painting is derived from a portrait in the collection of Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. A half-length variation of this composition, bearing the signature of Robert Home and dated 1793, appeared at auction in 2021.¹

¹ London, Chiswick Auctions, 18 February 2021, lot 482.