The Life of Dido

In the mid-1770s, the Earl of Mansfield (1705-1793) commissioned a portrait of his two great-nieces, Elizabeth Murray (1760-1825) and Dido Belle (1761-1804). But it was Elizabeth's name that would be remembered through history, and Dido's would only be rediscovered in the 1990s. In this episode, we discuss her origins, her position in her great-uncles stately home, and how she is portrayed in the only known Neoclassical portrait depicting a black woman and a white woman as equals.  Today's image: David Martin, Portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle and Lady Elizabeth Murray (ca. 1778). Oil on canvas. Scone Palace, Scotland.  New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!  Email: [email protected]  Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_fact Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast  Twitter: @ArtHistoricPod  TikTok: @matta_of_fact