The tragic death of a woman known as Jane Austen’s mentor has been recalled through the acquisition of a portrait miniature of her by Jane Austen’s House.

Anne Lefroy died after falling from her horse on December 16, 1804 - Jane’s 29th birthday. Later Jane wrote a moving poem about this to show how important Mrs Lefroy was to her.

The inscription ‘Died Dec. 16. 1804.’ is engraved on the frame of the miniature.

Anne was a neighbour of the Austen family when they lived in Steventon and became a great friend of and lifelong influence on the young Jane.

Known to her circle as ‘Madam Lefroy’ for her sophisticated tastes and manners, she encouraged Jane’s early writing and lent Jane books from her library.

Anne set up and taught at a school for village children, founded a straw plait manufactory for local women and children to earn their own money, and vaccinated hundreds of her husband’s parishioners against smallpox.

It has been suggested that she may have inspired the character of Lady Russell in Persuasion.

Anne also introduced Jane to her nephew Tom Lefroy, with whom Jane flirted in the winter of 1795.

The portrait, secured by Jane Austen’s House at auction at Bonhams in April, is 40mm high and shows Mrs Lefroy in profile, wearing a grey dress, her hair powdered in the fashion of the 1770s.

It is believed to date from 1780, when she was 31, and the picture is by Richard Crosse, who lived from 1742 to 1810.

Portrait miniatures expert Emma Rutherford said: “Portrait miniatures were at the heart of Austen family life, as well as providing an emotional vehicle for Jane’s novels.

“Now a new miniature has come to light of Madam Lefroy, which finally gives us a glimpse of the woman called ‘Angelic Woman’ by Jane.

“Painted by the artist Richard Crosse, a successful portraitist, this miniature may have been central to the mourning into which the family were plunged after Lefroy died on Jane’s birthday.”

Jane Austen’s House director Lizzie Dunford said: “Madam Lefroy’s influence looms large over Austen’s life, as well as being an extraordinary woman in her own right. It is very special to be able to see her as a young Jane Austen might have known her.”

An announcement of Anne’s death and a brief obituary appeared in The Sun - a daily evening newspaper printed between 1792 and 1876 - on December 21, 1804, which Jane copied out by hand.

The portrait miniature is on display alongside Jane’s handwritten copy of Anne Lefroy’s obituary at Jane Austen’s House until December 30.

As part of the museum’s Persuasion Festival running from September 17 to 20, Emma Rutherford will give a talk in which she will discuss how this new acquisition sheds light on Jane’s family and how they chose to present themselves in this form of portrait.

There will be a virtual talk on September 18 at 8pm and an in-person talk at Jane Austen’s House on September 19 at midday.

Tickets for both can be booked at janeaustens.house