Portrait of Mary Moll Davis (fl.1663-1669) 1675

Mary Beale painted this portrait of Mary Moll Davis, probably in the 1660s, using oil on canvas. At the time, oil paint was a relatively novel technology, demanding a high level of technical skill. Here, Beale deploys its capacity for rendering textures, from the folds of draped fabric to the soft, yielding flesh of the sitter. The careful layering of pigments allowed her to create a convincing likeness, capturing the sitter's features and conveying a sense of her social status. Painting was often a collaborative process. Pigments were sourced globally and carefully ground, then mixed with oil to achieve the desired consistency. Brushes were meticulously crafted, and canvases laboriously prepared. Beale’s mastery of these skills offered a new degree of individual expression. This work invites us to consider the value of skilled labor and the role of materials in the creation of meaning. By paying attention to these aspects, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, craft, and society.