Dcoetzee from the National Portrait Gallery, London Website Using a Special Tool. All Images in This Batch Have Been Confirmed as Author Died Before 1939 According to the Official Death Date Listed by the Npg. 1699

This oil on canvas portrait was painted by Mary Beale, a prominent English portraitist who died in 1699. It gives us an intriguing glimpse into the art world and social dynamics of 17th-century England. Beale was one of the first professional female painters in England. At a time when women had limited access to formal art education, she managed to establish a successful career, challenging societal norms. In the social and political landscape of the Restoration period, portraiture played a crucial role in shaping identities and communicating status. Beale's ability to navigate this world and capture the likenesses of her sitters reflects both her artistic skill and her understanding of social conventions. To fully understand this painting, we can explore archival sources and historical documents. By examining the lives and social networks of both the artist and her subject, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural forces that shaped this artwork.