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Mary Beale, 1633–1699, British, An Unknown Woman, ca. 1675
- Title:
- An Unknown Woman [2024, YCBA]
- Former Title(s):
- Portrait of an Unknown Woman [2024, YCBA]
- Date:
- ca. 1675
- Materials & Techniques:
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions:
- 48 1/2 × 39 1/2 inches (123.2 × 100.3 cm)
- Credit Line:
- Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Fund
- Copyright Status:
- Public Domain
- Accession Number:
- B2024.8
- Classification:
- Paintings
- Collection:
- Paintings and Sculpture
- Link to Frame:
- B2024.8FR
- Subject Terms:
- cape (outerwear) | pearls | portrait | rock | sapphires | trees
- Access:
- On view
- Link:
- https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/catalog/tms:84682
- Export:
- XML
- IIIF Manifest:
- JSON
Beale ran a commercial studio in London, meeting the strong demand for portraits of an exclusive clientele. This depiction of a high-status woman is representative of the painter’s output during the 1670s. The blue ultramarine pigment used in the mantle draped over the sitter’s shoulders not only denotes her wealth and status but also would have occasioned a surcharge from the artist to pay for the costly hue. In addition to commissions such as these, Beale made portraits of her husband, Charles, and their two sons, all of whom assisted in the running of her business. Gallery label for installation of YCBA collection, 2025
In a New Light: 500 Years of British Art (Yale Center for British Art, 2025-04-01 - 2026-01-30) [YCBA Objects in the Exhibition] [Exhibition Description]
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