English school, oil on canvas (lined), late 18th century, unsigned, the lady depicted seated, three-quarter length, presented in an antique gilt composition frame.

SS 35.5 x 27.5 in.; DOA 47.25 x 39 in.

Estate of the late Lynn Slaughter Mills of Fuquay Varina, NC

Sophia Pigot (circa 1752-1834), the illegitimate daughter of George Pigot, 1st Baron Pigot and the governor and commander-in-chief of Madras for the British East India Company. She married Edward Monckton, also employed by the East India Company, in March 1776.

Not long after their marriage, the Hon. Monckton resigned his post with the Company and they returned to England, settling into life at Somerford Hall in Staffordshire. Monckton had made a fortune as a nabob in India and was able to renovate the Palladian style mansion house in the latest fashion, even hiring Robert Adam to design and build the "new" dining room.

Monckton was elected an MP for Stafford and remained active throughout his life in politics and country life.

Some minor loss and repairs to frame; minor craquelure; not examined under black light.

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