Levina McMahon

Dressed in a white short-waisted dress the square neckline edged with lace, this young Regency lady is poised and elegant with her hair swept up in a twisted coil with pretty curls framing her face. An old label on the reverse names her as Lavinia [sic] McMahon.

Levina was born in Dublin in 1791, one of just two children born to Charles Moore McMahon and his wife Isabella (née Clarges). Levina married Oxford graduate, Rev. William Price Myddleton (1787-1830). The couple initially settled in Loughborough where their first son, Philip Price, was born. A new posting as Chaplain to Worcester Jail prompted a move to Worcester where a further four children were born – Mary, Levina, William and John. Levina died in November 1857 at the age of 66.

Painted around 1810 and in fine condition, the unsigned portrait is set in a striking gilt metal star-burst frame – as shown, only six teeth remain on the reverse of the frame though these are currently retaining the miniature securely.