Portrait of Mrs. Harriet Quentin by Jean François-Marie Huet-Villiers.

After attending an exhibition Jane Austen wrote to her sister that she had found a portrait of Mrs Bingley’s:

“Mrs. Bingley’s is exactly herself-size, shaped face, features, and sweetness; there never was a greater likeness. She is dressed in a white gown,with green ornaments, which convinces me of what I had always supposed, that green was a favourite colour with her. I dare say Mrs. Darcy will be in yellow…

….and I am disappointed, for there was nothing like Mrs Darcy at either. I can only imagine that Mr Darcy prizes any Picture of her too much to like it should be exposed to the public eye. I can imagine he would have that sort of feeling, that mixture of love, pride, and delicacy.”

(24 May, 1813)