NEWPORT HOUSE October 20th & 21st 2026

31 Fonsie Mealy’s Est. 1934 234. Attributed to Charles Jervas (1675-1739) "Lady Martha Stratford, nee O'Neale, (1707-1796) later Countess of Aldborough," A large three-quarter length Portrait of an 18th century, William Kent Palladian style ‘Kitkat’ type frame, seated on a bench, wearing a white silk dress, holding a honeysuckle flower in her left hand, her brown hair resting on her right shoulder, to her left, visible through an opening, a setting sun over a hilly landscape, with mountain beyond and flowing river in the foreground (possibly the Slaney). Approx. 128cms x 102cms (50" x 40"). (1) A similar portrait of the sitter in a matching Kent frame, sold by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers at Fortgranite, Co. Wicklow, and is held at Johnstown Castle, County Wexford. This attractive large portrait depicts Martha Stratford, née O'Neale (1706-1796), daughter and heiress of Benjamin O'Neale of County Wexford, Archdeacon of Leighlin and Ferns. Martha married the Irish peer and politician John Stratford (1697/8-1777), 1st Earl of Aldborough, to become Countess of Aldborough. His principal seat was Belan, County Kildare but Stratford also resided at Mountneil House, Co. Carlow; Stratford Lodge, Co. Wicklow, and at town houses in London and Dublin (Aldborough House). A long-serving MP for the family borough of Baltinglass (from 1721 to 1760). €4,000 - €5,000