Career
Sharp was once considered possibly to be the most popular man in London of his time. She would be her husband"s mainstay during his final years as Under-Secretary for Ireland (1835–1840). Maria was given every advantage, educationally, socially, and culturally and came to know many of the prominent artists, musicians, politicians, and socialites of the time.
Some of the correspondence, resulting from their friendship which lasted until Dora"s death, still exists.
Maria is said to have possessed an exceptional singing voice of which William Wordsworth was particularly enamoured. These men and many others were entertained by Maria at Hyde Park Gardens and at Fredley between the years 1843 and 1891.
Her social circle was extensive and notable. At one time, there were rumours that Maria would marry the historian Thomas Macaulay.
She became her husband"s mainstay during a particularly stressful period—which eventually lead to his death—when he successfully acted as Under-Secretary for Ireland (1835-1840).
Maria and Thomas had three daughters, Fanny, Mary (who became the wife of Joseph Kay), and Emily. In her declining years, it is said that Robert Browning frequently visited Maria at Fredley to read her some of his and his wife"s poetry. Maria died in 1891 and was buried in Mickleham churchyard.
The painting had originally been purchased by Richard Sharp from Hester Thrale for just over £128 in 1816.