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A newly purchased portrait of the 4th Duke of Devonshire

The Duke of Devonshire unveiled a newly purchased portrait of the 4th Duke of Devonshire by Sir Joshua Reynolds, at a press photocall at Chatsworth on Thursday 19th May at 2pm.

A newly purchased portrait of the 4th Duke of Devonshire by Sir Joshua Reynolds

The painting and its frame have been conserved since its purchase and it will now be on view to visitors for the rest of the 2005 season

The Chatsworth House Trust, the charity that runs Chatsworth for the benefit of visitors, has recently purchased an important portrait of the 4th Duke of Devonshire, which has been hidden from public view in private collections since being painted in 1759. The 4th Duke, who inherited the title 250 years ago, in 1755, was briefly Prime Minister and is depicted in the portrait as a Knight of the Garter and Lord Chamberlain.

This is the most important known portrait of the 4th Duke of Devonshire, and is considered a fine work by the most celebrated English portrait painter of the 18th century, Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792). As well as his role in public life, the 4th Duke played an important part in Chatsworth's history, commissioning 'Capability' Brown to create the famous Park which surrounds Chatsworth, and building the Stables and bridge in the 1760s.