Page 131 - cn - er - The Spirit of Belvoir Studio 25-10-2022 update concise version

The focused room setting within this particular part of the private sitting room forms a unique composition
that relates not only the associative elements of what is an intimate family space, but also captures the expanse
of the outer parkland beyond the terrace glimpsed through the open French door.
The painting can be interpreted as an allegorical portrayal of Emma the present Duchess and Her Grace’s role
and journey as Chatelaine.
The near table stacked with family photo albums and framed photographs placed on the piano represents Her
Grace’s family history. A statement of homeliness and care for the special ambiance is made by the placement
of the table flower arrangement.
The piano alludes to Her Grace’s life when studying music and training to be an opera singer. The piano stool is
set askew without any particular direction. This symbolic element represents the pull of family commitment and
position, as the piano stool forms a central point in the painting and could be interpreted as a visual metaphor for
the life as Chatelaine in running the estate.

For Her Grace a great source of inspiration has been the life of Elizabeth 5th Duchess who created the present
castle through her vision and determination. This is depicted and caught by the reflected painting of Elizabeth
riding her grey mare on the estate with the castle and lakes beyond. The majority of the painting was painted in
the early 1820’s, during her lifetime, by George Sanders. After her death the artist returned and added the castle
as well as the lakes which had been completed by 1824. The inclusion of the painting’s reflection corresponds
with the present time with the contrasting contra-view through the French doors to outstretching parkland and
‘The Private Drawing Room’
estate. One scene is the mirror positioning of the other, and a marker of the continuation of the Manners line.
‘En plein air’,

Oil on Panel: 20 x 24 inches