Mary Fielding
Mezzotint, a tonal method of printmaking, was invented in Germany in 1642 and introduced to Britain by Dutch engravers. Beckett was first great native-born Englishman to practice the technique, producing just over than a hundred prints between 1681 and his early death in 1688. Most of these are portraits, many after leading painters. This example after Sir Peter Lely represents Mary Fielding, seen three-quarter length and wearing a low robe fastened by six clasps, as she rests one hand on the pedestal of a sarcophagus.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mary Fielding
- Engraver: Isaac Beckett (British, Kent 1652/53–1719 London)
- Artist: After Sir Peter Lely (Pieter van der Faes) (British, Soest 1618–1680 London)
- Sitter: Lady Mary Fielding (British, died 1682)
- Date: 1683–87
- Medium: Mezzotint; second state of three
- Dimensions: Plate: 13 1/8 × 9 13/16 in. (33.4 × 25 cm)
Sheet: 13 3/8 × 10 1/16 in. (33.9 × 25.5 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gertrude and Thomas Jefferson Mumford Collection, Gift of Dorothy Quick Mayer, 1942
- Object Number: 42.119.199
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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