Antique Gilt Metal Casket with Miniature of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire & Daughter “Little G” – Sotheby’s Provenance
This exquisite late 18th-century gilt-metal empire-style Jewelry Casket is mounted with a finely painted oval miniature of Georgiana Cavendish, 5th Duchess of Devonshire (1757–1806), depicted tenderly with her beloved daughter, Lady Georgiana Dorothy Cavendish (“Little G”). The interior is lined with floral-patterned fabric and retains its engraved plaque identifying the subject: “Duchess of Devonshire.” The piece rests on ornate scrolled feet.
Georgiana, famed as one of the great beauties and political hostesses of the Georgian era, became a cultural icon of fashion, art, and society. Her life of high society, scandal, and public fascination has often been compared to that of her descendant, Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana herself was a Spencer, and Georgiana was her great-great-great-great-aunt, both women becoming global symbols of style, compassion, and tragedy within their respective centuries. The parallels between their lives—marriages into the aristocracy, public adoration, complicated personal relationships, and enduring legacies—have been noted in books, films, and exhibitions, cementing Georgiana as a historical mirror to Diana’s own story.
Provenance
This very box was acquired from Sotheby’s “Attic Sale” in 2010, where the estate unearthed long lost treasures for auction. Tt was catalogued as:
“A late 19th-century miniature of Georgiana and her beloved daughter ‘Little G’, mounted in a gilt-metal Empire style casket, est. £400–600.”
A copy of the sale reference is included for provenance.
*Condition*
Good antique condition, with expected age-related wear to gilt surfaces and light toning to silk interior. Hinges and feet remain intact. The miniature painting is vibrant and well-preserved, with only minor surface marks consistent with age. Truly unique and incredibly preserved artifact.
14z
#10
5L
JP
