Lot 240: JOHN PARTRIDGE 1790-1872

PORTRAIT OF FANNY CATHERINE KNIGHT, LADY KNATCHBULL (1793-1882)

measurements note
89 by 68.5 cm., 35 by 27 in.

Three-quarter length, seated, wearing a black dress

Oil on canvas

NOTE

The sitter was the daughter of Edward Austen, brother of Jane Austen, the great novelist. Her father was adopted by his distant cousins, the Knights of Godmersham Park in Kent, and in 1812 he took the name of Knight. He inherited not only Godmersham Park but also Steventon and Chawton in Hampshire. Fanny's mother, Elizabeth Bridges, died in 1812 and Jane Austen took a particular interest in her motherless niece. She became her confidante and gave her advice on love and marriage. A number of letters from Jane to Fanny survive, all showing a close friendship and affection. In February 1817 Jane writes from Chawton: "My dearest Fanny You are inimitable, irresistable. You are the delight of my life. Such Letters, such entertaining Letters as you have lately sent! ... You are the Paragon of all that is Silly & Sensible, common-place & eccentric, Sad & Lively, Provoking & Interesting..." (Jane Austen's Letters, edited by Deirdre Le Faye, 1995, no. 151).