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Lot Essay
The coronet, monogram EC, and engraved name Elizabeth, are almost certainly those of Elizabeth, Marchioness of Conyngham (d. 1861), wife of Henry, 1st Marquis of Conyngham.
Dubbed the 'English Pompadour,' she was the last mistress of George IV, and he the last on her list of noteworthy lovers which included Henry Lord Ponsonby and Tsar Nicholas I. (Saul David, Prince of Pleasure, 1998, pp. 390, 421-22). She capitalized upon her personal friendship with the Prince Regent to secure the position of Canonry of Windsor for her son's tutor. Her husband was elevated from Earl to Marquis and his importance greatly increased when the Prince Regent became King. More impressive than the good fortune she brought to those around her was the great influence she exerted over the King. Whether she stayed with him at Windsor or at Brighton, she was always encouraged to conduct herself as mistress of the household. She frequently used the King's horses and carriage, wore the Crown Sapphires, and had meals for her private dinner parties prepared at St. James's Palace. The privileges she enjoyed while mistress ended with the King's death only a few years later, and the Marquis and Marchioness faded into the background of society.
SUPP IMAGE TEXT:
Lady Conyngham, mistress of George IV, with Philip Rundell, inside the Royal Goldsmith's shop, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, published by S. W. Fores, 1822
Dubbed the 'English Pompadour,' she was the last mistress of George IV, and he the last on her list of noteworthy lovers which included Henry Lord Ponsonby and Tsar Nicholas I. (Saul David, Prince of Pleasure, 1998, pp. 390, 421-22). She capitalized upon her personal friendship with the Prince Regent to secure the position of Canonry of Windsor for her son's tutor. Her husband was elevated from Earl to Marquis and his importance greatly increased when the Prince Regent became King. More impressive than the good fortune she brought to those around her was the great influence she exerted over the King. Whether she stayed with him at Windsor or at Brighton, she was always encouraged to conduct herself as mistress of the household. She frequently used the King's horses and carriage, wore the Crown Sapphires, and had meals for her private dinner parties prepared at St. James's Palace. The privileges she enjoyed while mistress ended with the King's death only a few years later, and the Marquis and Marchioness faded into the background of society.
SUPP IMAGE TEXT:
Lady Conyngham, mistress of George IV, with Philip Rundell, inside the Royal Goldsmith's shop, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, published by S. W. Fores, 1822