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Introduction: Sir John Lavery's unconventional portrayal of Viscountess Castlerosse
Discover the intriguing tale behind Sir John Lavery's unconventional portrayal of Viscountess Castlerosse in Palm Springs, 1938. Unlike his typical depictions of early 20th-century aristocratic women, this painting unveils the captivating story of a woman who defied societal norms.
Viscountess Castlerosse
Viscountess Castlerosse, born Doris Delevingne in 1900 in modest circumstances in Streatham, south London, was anything but an ordinary lady. The daughter of a Belgian immigrant and English mother, she embarked on an unconventional path in her teenage years, entering the rag trade and selling second-hand designer gowns to showgirls.
Her life took a dramatic turn in 1928 when she married Valentine Edward Charles Browne, Viscount Castlerosse, later the sixth earl of Kenmare. Their marriage, marked by extravagant clothes, wild parties, and rumored affairs, ended in divorce after a tumultuous decade. The couple, childless, parted ways, with Viscountess Castlerosse becoming a media sensation for her flamboyant lifestyle.
The portrait in question, The Viscountess Castlerosse, Palm Springs, 1938, was painted by Sir John Lavery during a Californian desert resort house party. Kenneth McConkey's catalogue note for de Veres suggests that Lavery captured the essence of Viscountess Castlerosse's beauty and legendary legs, known for delighting male admirers. The painting features a provocative pose, sparking controversy, with the male admirer left unidentified.
McConkey's commentary sheds light on the circumstances of the painting, stating, "Lavery captured his quarry when her legendary legs were on show, to the delight of a male admirer." The suggestive pose adds a layer of intrigue to the artwork and mirrors the scandalous reputation that Viscountess Castlerosse cultivated during her lifetime.
In 1942, at the age of 42, Viscountess Castlerosse, ostracized by London society, tragically took an overdose of sleeping pills while staying at the Dorchester. A year later, her former husband, now the earl of Kenmare, passed away and was laid to rest in the family vault in Killarney cathedral.
Conclusion:
The enigmatic life of Viscountess Castlerosse, as captured by Sir John Lavery in Palm Springs, 1938, continues to fascinate art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This portrait serves as a visual testament to a woman who defied convention, courted controversy, and left an indelible mark on the canvas of society.
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