Portrait of Sarah LYLE
Fine Arts
Inventory number
2026.4.29.7.FA.PA.C1785.GB
Author:
William SINGLETON (British, ? - 1793 London)
Description
Miniature portrait of Sarah LYLE, executed in watercolour on ivory and set within an oval metal frame with a suspension loop. Sarah is shown bust-length in a three-quarter pose, her body turned slightly to the left while her face is directed toward the viewer. Her expression is calm and gently smiling, with softly modelled features and a delicate, refined gaze. LYLE's hair is arranged in a voluminous coiffure of loose, waved curls framing the face and rising around the crown. The hairstyle is ornamented with a small triangular gold tiara, set with diamond stones. A light veil falls behind the coiffure, visible along the right side of the head and descending softly behind the shoulder.
Sarah wears a white dress with a broad V-shaped neckline and a draped bodice formed by fine pleated folds of pale fabric. The neckline is edged with delicate lace or embroidered trim. The sleeves are full and rounded, with the upper sleeve encircled by an ornamented band set with small stones and a larger blue rhinestone at the centre. At the elbow, the sleeve is gathered and finished with a rounded knot-like detail. The waist is marked by a darker ribbon or sash, beneath which the white skirt begins in soft vertical pleats. Over the left arm and shoulder falls a blue silk stole , adding a contrasting note of colour to the otherwise pale costume.
Sarah LYLE (British, Belfast 1754 — 1836 Toenham, Middlesex) is Sarah GREG, an Irish-born woman of merchant family, daughter of Thomas GREG (c. 1718–1796), a prominent Irish merchant, and Elizabeth HYDE (c. 1721–1780). Born in Belfast, she was one of nine siblings, among whom her brother Samuel GREG (1758–1834) became a notable figure in the industrial history of Britain. In 1776 she married Hugh LYLE (1757–1812) of Coleraine, County Londonderry and settled at Jackson Hall, Coleraine. The couple had seven children together. Widowed in 1812 upon the death of her husband at Jackson Hall, she died on 2 June 1836 at the age of 81.
Materials
Metal frame
Glass
Ivory
Watercolour
Pencil
Origin
circa 1785
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Width : 0.5 cm
Length : 5.5 cm
Height : 9 cm