Mary Kisler - 18th Century Poster Girls

Thomas Gainsborough, Elizabeth and Mary Linley c1772. Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Joshua Reynolds Mrs Sheridan in the character of St Cecilia, c1775. Waddeston Manor.

(L)Thomas Gainsborough Miss Elizabeth Linley later Mrs Richard Brinsley Sheridan, c1775 Philadelphia Museum (R) After Gainsborough Miss Linley, afterwards Mrs Sheridan, after 1775 Private Collection

Thomas Gainsborough Mrs Sheridan, 1785–6. National Gallery of Art,

(L)Thomas Beach Portrait of Sarah Siddons, 1782. Auckland Art Gallery (R) William Ridley, after Thomas Beach. Sarah Siddons, 1791. British Museum

George Henry Harlow Sarah Siddons as Lady Macbeth, 1814. Garrick Club, London

Joshua Reynolds Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse 1784 Huntington, California

George Romney Emma Hart in a Cavern circa 1782-5 © National Maritime Museum, London, National Maritime Museum

George Romney Emma Hamilton as Circe, 1782 National Trust Waddesdon Manor

George Romney Emma as the Spinstress, 1784-85 Kenwood House, London