Depicts Serena, the heroine of the poem 'Triumphs of Temper' by the artist's friend and biographer William Hayley (1745-1820), a lady of the sweetest temper and constant good humour who is rewarded by a happy marriage. The character became a role model for fashionable ladies of the time, and was the subject of several other works by the artist.

Provenance

Purchased from the artist by John Christian Curwen, Workington Hall; by descent; private collection.