Portrait of Catherine Grey, Lady Manners

Thomas Lawrence’s 1794 portrait of Catherine Grey, Lady Manners, depicts her at the base of marble steps. She holds a rose, with a peacock behind her. Cleveland Museum of Art.

The pose references the Medici Venus. A peacock in the background is likely a nod to Juno. The Borghese Vase appears in the top right.

Lady Manners disliked the portrait, believing the peacock suggested vanity. She did not purchase it. The painting remained in Lawrence’s studio for many years.

Lawrence was elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1794 at age 25. Known for capturing likenesses, he became the leading portraitist of the Regency era.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio https://clevelandart.org/art/1961.220