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Portrait of a Lady, circle of Mary Beale, 17th century British
$5,505.66
£4,000
€4,688.65
CA$7,516.28
A$8,361.55
CHF 4,383.23
MX$102,176.12
NOK 55,814.96
SEK 52,542.07
DKK 34,998.96
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About the Item
Painting of a lady, circle of Mary Beale (1633–1699), who was one of the first professional female portrait painters in England and a pioneering figure for women in the arts during the 17th century. Born in Suffolk, England, she was the daughter of John Cradock, a clergyman and amateur painter who likely introduced her to painting.
Her style was influenced by Sir Peter Lely, the leading court painter of the time, and she even received commissions from members of Lely's circle. Beale painted a wide range of subjects, but she is best known for her sensitive and refined portraits of clergy, aristocrats, and family members. Her work combined technical skill with a warm, naturalistic portrayal of her sitters.
Mary Beale began painting seriously in the 1650s, and by the 1670s, she had established herself as a successful professional artist in London—a remarkable achievement in an era when few women worked in the arts outside the home. Her husband, Charles Beale, supported her career by managing her studio and keeping detailed notes on her work, clients, and techniques, which provide valuable insight into her practice and the business of portrait painting in the 17th century.
Mary Beale was also a writer and theorist on art. She authored a manuscript called Discourse on Friendship and experimented with pigment recipes and painting techniques, showing her intellectual engagement with her craft.
The painting is not signed.
She continued working into the 1690s and left behind a legacy not only of high-quality artwork but also of breaking gender barriers in the art world. Mary Beale died in 1699 and is remembered today as a trailblazer among British women artists.
- Dimensions:Height: 36.62 in (93 cm)Width: 31.11 in (79 cm)
- Medium:
- Circle Of:(Circle of) Mary Beale (1633 - 1699, British)
- Period:
- Framing:Frame IncludedFraming Options Available
- Condition:Painting and frame conservation services are provided upon request. Please message us for further advice.
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 301stDibs: LU2841216305132
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