PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ENGLISH COLLECTION

CIRCLE OF MARY BEALE (SUFFOLK 1632-1697 LONDON)
Portrait of a Lady bust-length, in red dress and gold shawl, wearing pearls in her hair, in a sculpted cartouche
oil on canvas
76 x 63 cm

The style and overall type of the painting point to its likely execution during the 1660-80s. The work can be compared closely on stylistic and compositional grounds to the treatments of the fashionable studios of the day under the influence of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680). His style influenced the development of English portraiture, setting the tone for many portraitists who followed.
Although the precise identity of the author has yet to be satisfactorily resolved, a plausible attribution to Circle of Mary Beale is suggested. A comparison between her known portraits and the present work reveals the naturalistic style and a focus on capturing the personality and character of the sitter, with a similar spirit and vigour to the brushwork, a comparable treatment of light and a similar characterisation of the figures, notably in the definition of their hair and faces.

Beale is recognised as one of the first professional female artists in England and gained significant acclaim for her portraits of various notable individuals. In addition to her portrait work, Beale was known for her involvement in artistic and intellectual circles. Her home became a gathering place for discussions on art, science, and culture, where she interacted with various thinkers and artists of her time.