Lot 289: Charles Hayter (1761-1835), 'Portrait of Frances

Charles Hayter (1761-1835), 'Portrait of Frances Ann Kemble', wearing dark head scarf, long bust length, watercolour on ivory, oval, signed with initials, 7.5cm x 5.5cm Note: Fanny Kemble was born in London in 1809. She was the daughter of the notable actor Charles Kemble and niece of Sarah Siddons. She became an instant success following her debut as Juliet in her father's production of Romeo and Juliet in 1829 at the Covent Garden Theatre. In 1832 she accompanied her father on a tour of America and in New York met her future husband, Pierce Butler, heir to one of the largest slave holders in Georgia. Seeing first hand the conditions and treatments of slaves, Fanny became a vehement abolitionist.