Portrait of Elizabeth Leigh

This half-length portrait of a woman in a yellow dress and black lace kerchief replicates the image of Elizabeth Leigh, who appeared in a portrait of her family, which Romney exhibited to acclaim at the Free Society of Artists in 1768 (now in the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia). While the tilt of the head and sideways glance are the same as in the group portrait, the artist has elaborated her costume, adding the pale blue ribbons and sheer lace collar. The smaller format places more attention on the individual sitter, providing Romney the opportunity to display his skill at rendering the play of light over various textures of fabric.