A Captivating Portrait of Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich
The portrait of Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich, is a stunning work by Cuban artist Robin Pau, based in the United States. Crafted from a photograph provided by Julie herself, the image originally graced the cover of the renowned Country Life magazine, captured by acclaimed British photographer Millie Pilkington, known for her portraits of the British royal family and public figures. As Julie resides in England and Pau works in Miami, in-person painting sessions were not feasible, prompting Julie to supply the photograph for Pau to capture her essence on canvas.
Set against the enchanting gardens of Mapperton House in Dorset, England, the painting honors Julie Montagu’s dedication to preserving the estate’s rich history and connecting its legacy with future generations. Pau’s artwork blends artistry and storytelling, embodying both the Countess’s charisma and Mapperton House’s cultural significance as a premier tourist destination.
A Masterpiece of Realism and Tradition
Capturing the Essence of Mapperton House
Renowned for his realistic portraits, Robin Pau created this oil-on-canvas artwork in 2025, measuring 70×100 cm. The painting meticulously recreates Julie Montagu’s white floral dress and relaxed pose on a wrought-iron chair, set against a backdrop evoking the lush foliage of Mapperton’s gardens. Reflecting the English portraiture tradition, this piece is destined to become a cherished family heirloom.
Mapperton House, a majestic 16th-century estate with Jacobean elements and later additions, is managed by Julie Montagu and her husband, Luke Montagu, 12th Earl of Sandwich, who inherited the title in 2025 following his father’s passing. Originally from Illinois, USA, Julie is an entrepreneur, yoga instructor, and television personality who has transformed Mapperton into a vibrant tourist destination, offering guided tours and exclusive events.
Julie Montagu’s Emotional Reaction to Her Portrait
In a heartfelt YouTube video titled The Day I Finally Had My Portrait at The Manor, Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich, shares her excitement upon unveiling the portrait by Robin Pau. “Oh my God, I can see my face!” she exclaimed with awe, describing the moment as “very exciting.” Julie was captivated by the painting’s accuracy, noting, “It’s lovely, it looks like me, so I’m thrilled.” She praised Pau’s exceptional attention to detail in capturing her floral dress and the greenhouse-inspired background of Mapperton House. Julie plans to frame the artwork in a modern style for display in a special spot in her home, deepening her connection to Mapperton’s historic legacy.
An Addition to the Prestigious Sandwich Collection
The portrait by Robin Pau now joins the esteemed Sandwich Collection at Mapperton House, which features works by masters such as Peter Lely, Willem van de Velde the Younger, Samuel Scott, Joshua Reynolds, and William Hogarth, including several portraits of Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich [, , , , ]. The Montagu family has a storied history of being portrayed by iconic artists like Thomas Gainsborough and Godfrey Kneller, making Pau’s contribution a remarkable honor. For Pau, this work reflects his deep admiration for the Montagu family’s cultural legacy and their commitment to preserving Mapperton’s history.
A Legacy of Art and Innovation at Mapperton
Julie Montagu’s portrait by Robin Pau immortalizes her passion for transforming Mapperton House into a dynamic cultural hub, where 16th-century heritage meets modern innovation. As part of the iconic Sandwich Collection, this artwork underscores the Montagu family’s legacy, cementing Mapperton as a must-visit destination in Dorset. Discover Robin Pau’s unique vision and portfolio at robinpau.com , where every brushstroke tells a story.