Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) [?] politician and courtier; wife of 1st Duke of Marlborough

Oil on canvas. Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough reclines in the grounds of an impressive estate. Her red dress and pale pink skin form a striking contrast to the cool, dark colours of the landscape around her. Born in 1660 to Richard Jenyns MP and his wife Frances, at the age of 13 Sarah was appointed Maid of Honour to Mary of Modena, the second wife of James, Duke of York and introduced to James' daughter Anne (later Queen Anne). In 1677, Sarah married John Churchill. After defecting to William of Orange, John was rewarded with the title Earl of Marlborough. However, his correspondence with the Jacobite court led to his imprisonment in 1692, on suspicion of high treason. After her husband’s release, Sarah temporarily retired from court life. She returned when Anne ascended to the throne in 1702 and Sarah and her daughters were honoured with important court positions. Following military success, the Duke was granted the manor of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, where he built Blenheim Palace, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh. Sir Christopher Wren designed his London home, Marlborough House. However, five years into Queen Anne's reign, Sarah's relationship with the Queen soured. Sarah lost her influence at court and her husband was exiled. In 1742, she published an account of her association with Queen Anne. Sarah died two years later and was buried at Blenheim Palace.

Collection

Government Art Collection

Inventory Number

3229994

Title

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) [?] politician and courtier; wife of 1st Duke of Marlborough

Object Type

StillImage

Measurements

-