An Exceptional 17th Century Baroque Portrait Oil on Canvas of an Attractive Young Lady. Studio of Mary Beale or possibly Sir Peter Lely – Circa 1670. A striking and extremely fine depiction of a young lady – certainly the wife of an aristocrat and / or courtier of Charles II. This demonstrative elegance of a lady who is full of confidence in a man’s world exhibiting her status with a plethora of pearl jewelry in her hair and adorning her fine yellow silk dress…. All combining to let the viewer know that she is a high born lady with a prominent place in society… All the hallmarks and decorative features of the first English professional lady painter who managed to make a success from her very obvious talent – Mary Beale (1633 – 1699) – who operated out of Pall Mall in London once she became a sought after portraitist. Some art historians might claim that a contemporary of hers – Joan Carlile – preceeded her but taking in to account the level of success and accomplishments that Beale enjoyed we should consider her to be the’original’. Well known and much admired by the Royal artist Sir Peter Lely (1618 – 1680) we can see the great man’s influence in her work… This particular work is of superlative quality and has all the indicators and renowned calibre of Beales portraits – the elaborate scroll work framing the sitter and the many strings of pearls are definitive symbols of her composition. She also captures the character of the sitter so well – the eyes being especially’alive’ and perfectly rendered. My view is that this painting was executed in Beale’s studio around 1670….. I cannot say for sure if the artist herself painted the entire piece as I have no paper trail or provenance but the characteristics tell me that she would at the very least overseen it’s evolution. The sitter appears far too important to accept an apprentice or student as her painter – her status wouldn’t allow this and if she turned up at the studio unannounced and saw a young pupil working on her portrait then I think she would not have been best pleased…… Verso we see a gallery or collectors red wax seal….. Housed in what could certainly be it’s original carved and gilded frame – known as a’Lely frame’ in style with it’s intermittent carved cartouches – and subject to an old reline the whole is now in fine and ready to hang order. I cannot recommend this painting highly enough – a rare and remarkable antique item – a wonderfully preserved 350 year old window on Restoration England. Measurements including the frame 37″ x 32″. I hope you will afford me the privilege of taking time to look at my offerings on here. I will offer you honesty and transparency. I will clearly show you the entire work of art – front and back – and detail all it’s good and bad points. I will not be vague about age or provenance or any later work carried out. I also offer inspection at my home on all pieces with no obligation. It has to be good enough to grace my own home should it not sell. I hope you will find something you like – please message me with questions – You will find me accommodating and friendly. This is the exact cost to me. Some larger paintings can require a courier who will personally deliver to you… This may take a little longer to arrive. For international carriage costs please message me. Best wishes and thank you for looking. The item “VERY FINE RARE 17TH CENTURY PORTRAIT PAINTING OF A BEAUTIFUL LADY BEALE / LELY” is in sale since Thursday, March 5, 2020. This item is in the category “Art\Paintings”. The seller is “gregharpip” and is located in CALNE, Wiltshire. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom.

• Size: Large (up to 60in.)
• Artist: MARY BEALE / PETER LELY
• Style: Realism
• Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
• Medium: Oil
• Date of Creation: Antique (Pre-1900)
• Year: 1670
• Features: Framed
• Width (Inches): 32″
• Subject: Portrait
• Originality: Original
• Height (Inches): 37″