RALPH PEACOCK (BRITISH, 1868-1946)

Edith Marguerite Tate (1878-1958), known as Daisy (Marguerite means Daisy in French), was the daughter of Edwin Tate, third son of Sir Henry, first Baronet, the notable sugar magnate and philanthropist. In 1897 Sir Henry gave 65 contemporary paintings to the government on the understanding they would form the basis of The National Gallery of British Art. This is now known as Tate Britain. His grand-daughter Daisy was depicted on the eve of her marriage to Frederck William Wignall in 1901 by Peacock who was considered one of the leading portraitists of the day.

Peacock's portrayal of his sister-in- law Ethel, shown at the Royal Academy in 1897 became hugely popular, and was acquired by the Chantrey Bequest for Tate Britain where it is currently on display. In 1900, the year this picture was painted, he donated The Sisters, a double portrait of Ethel and his wife-to-be Edith, to the Tate. Despite the quality of his oeuvre Peacock sank into obscurity in the middle of the 20th century, and his work remains overlooked.