The actual painting is an oval about three times higher than these figures; the Royal Collection’s version is here.
The Duchess of Cumberland wears a broad-brimmed hat, popular in
this era, adorned with ribbons and a polonaise skirt (a full skirt topped with
three lobes of material, often with frilly edges) with train. I can almost hear
the storming of the Bastille in the background. Bustle dresses ninety years
later would look similar.
Keywords: 1783, Gainsborough, Anne Duchess of Cumberland, Duchess,
British, high coiffure, hat, bows, scoop neckline, modesty piece, elbow length
tight sleeves, cuffs, polonaise, ruffs, under-skirt, flounces, train, neck
band, gloves, shoes, wrap, lace