Art Funded by you

Zenobia Marchioness Ellrington

Charlotte Brontë, 1833

Zenobia Ellrington was a significant figure in the BrontësÂ’ early writing and as a strong, intellectual woman, she was a forerunner of the great Brontë heroines to come. The drawing is also interesting for its connection with the Countess of Blessington, whose portrait is believed to have provided the model. Certainly Lady BlessingtonÂ’s literary career and private life accord well with ZenobiaÂ’s role in the early writings, and Charlotte would also have been aware of her friendship with Lord Byron, whose influence on the writings of all four Brontë siblings cannot be overestimated. Although Charlotte is famous for her writing rather than her drawing, she did consider a career as a visual artist at one time.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Zenobia Marchioness Ellrington, 1833

Date supported

2009

Medium and material

Pencil on paper

Dimensions

9 x 7.9 cm

Grant

2750

Total cost

11550

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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