The paintings include Mary, Queen of Scots, Bess’s daughter-in-law Anne Keighley, Bess’s grandson William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Devonshire, Bess’s granddaughter Lady Arbella Stuart, and Bess’s son, Sir Henry Cavendish.
Technical imaging of the portrait of Sir Henry Cavendish has revealed the composition was altered to show off his status.
It showed his posture was changed and his hand was moved from his hip to a table to emphasise his authority and status, shedding new light on how the Cavendishes wished to be perceived, according to the National Trust
Conservation work to a painting of William Cavendish also uncovered structural changes to the painting, showing it had been split and later “meticulously realigned”.
“The scientific techniques involved in this conservation work has been fascinating”, added Williams.
“We hope that the exhibition encourages people to not only explore the stories behind the portraits but want to learn more about the groundbreaking techniques used.
“Conservation is an exciting field, bringing art, history, and science together.”
