She spent several winters prior to the American Revolution in London society, after which she resided in Paris, where she was said to be admired at exclusive French salons.

Born in New York City into a well-connected family, her grandfathers were Étienne de Lancy and Cadwallader Colden.

Among her siblings were brothers, James De Lancey, a Loyalist, and Stephen DeLancey, both later serving as members of the General Assembly of Nova Scotia.

[10] Her maternal grandfather, Cadwallader Colden, and her uncle, James De Lancey served as Colonial Governors of New York.

He had been educated at the University of Cambridge, and after returning to America, had passed his winters in South Carolina and his summers in New York City.

The garden at The Elms was her especial care and pride, with its rose trees, cape jessamine hedges, and the flowers that blossomed each year.

[13] With the outbreak of the American Revolution, Mrs. Izard was eager to return with her husband to the U.S., but this was impractical owing to the dangers of the voyage.

[12] The couple had fourteen children together, but only seven survived past early childhood, including:[18] Alice De Lancey Lizard died April 1, 1832,[19] at the age of 87.

The loose sleeves fall from sloping shoulders, being relieved where they are thrown back, with a bit of narrow lace.

The waist is outlined by a tied scarf of blue which is in contrast to the roses tumbling from the basket held by the fingers of her left hand.

The natural oval of the face is accentuated by the towering hairstyle into which is twined a rope of pearls, the same jewels clasped at the throat.

The forehead is high; the brow raised a trifle, the eyes blue, while the small ear set close to the head, the slim straight nose and mouth attest the beauty of the young matron.

By the time the artist had completed his work, which is after the style of Reynolds, and considered one of his finest specimens, the Revolution was hovering over the Colonies, so no money could be sent Mr. Izard from his South Carolina home, and as the cost was two hundred guineas, he was forced to leave the painting with Copley.