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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.