25.50inch wide
30.25inch high
(64.77 cm wide 76.83 cm high)
External Dimensions
30.50inch framed width
36.00inch framed height
(77.47 cm framed width 91.44 cm framed height)
Description
Oil on canvas of a gentleman, depicted within a feigned oval architectural cartouche, in a gilt frame.
MARY BEALE (1633-99) was born Mary Cradock, daughter of the Rev. John Cradock in Suffolk; in 1651 she married Charles Beale, Lord of the Manor of Walton, and moved to London. She was already known as a painter by 1654 and she was strongly influenced by Sir Peter Lely, Principal Painter to the King and famous Court and Society portraitist.
Lely was a friend of Mrs.Beale and she sometimes copied his work and frequently used his poses in her portraits.
She often depicts a stone oval heavily sculpted with fruit or flowers. The sitter's eyes tend to be almond shaped and her colouring pure and rich.
It was most unusual for a woman to take up a professional career as an artist at this time, but her studio thrived; her most active period was the 1670s and early '80s. Mary Beale died at Pall Mall and is buried in St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Provenance
PROVENANCE: Collection of the late Dr. William Lindsay Gordon.
Dr. Gordon was a true conoisseur of the decorative arts; he travelled England collecting antiques with a British heritage especially of the Stuart period.
Current Condition
Good sound condition; some old retouching, a 'pentimento' visible at the end of the cravat.
Price
gbp 1495.00 (Pound Sterling)
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