Portret van Elizabeth Montagu 1756

"Portret van Elizabeth Montagu" is a mezzotint portrait by James McArdell, created in 1756. The work depicts Elizabeth Montagu, a prominent English writer and intellectual, in a three-quarter length pose, showcasing a formal and elegant style common in 18th-century portraiture. The print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures Montagu's sophisticated air and is a testament to McArdell's mastery of the mezzotint technique, known for its rich tonal range and soft textures. This print is a valuable historical artifact that sheds light on both the life of Elizabeth Montagu and the artistic practice of James McArdell.