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

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