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Ann Grey (c.1675-1755)

Artist

Attributed to John Closterman, circa 1690

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Ann Grey (c.1675-1755)

Artist

Attributed to John Closterman, circa 1690

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Oil on canvas; original wood frame repainted; entire 39 by 32ins; 99 x 81cm

Provenance: Grey family, Backworth House, Northumberland; thence by descent to the Vivian-Neal family, Poundisford Park, Somerset; latterly, a company collection, Kent, England

The daughter of William Carr of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Jane, daughter of Christopher Nicholson, Ann married firstly Dr. Robert Gray, but widowed quite suddenly, she married again in 1705 William Grey of Backworth, Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland. She had a son, Ralph William Grey and two daughters, Margaret and Ann. After the death of her second husband she married thirdly, Thomas Holme, whom she also outlived. It is recorded that she spent the end of her long life residing in Soho London in the house of her daughters. Her uncle was Sir Ralph Carr of Cocken Co. Durham and through this connection she was related to a cross section of North English families of power and influence, which no doubt helped her children prosper. Her grandson, William Grey, had the family home completely rebuilt in 1778 in the fashionable neoclassical manner, and was painted in 1775 by the fashionable portraitist Pompeo Batoni.

John Closterman (1660-1714) came to England after a period of study in Paris where he excelled in the depiction of drapery. It was in this capacity that he worked under John Riley until his death in 1691. His patronage by the Dukes of Marlborough and Somerset secured his future success. He had a preference for baroque poses with stylized draperies which leant his work an originality and colour not previously seen.

Literature: A.W. & C.M. Vivian-Neal “Catalogue of Pictures & Furniture at Poundisbury Park” 1939