An Unknown Lady
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
c. 1685 - 1699
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1270 x 1015 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Treasurer's House, North Yorkshire
NT 593120
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, dated c.1685-99. A three-quarter-length portrait of a young woman, seated, turned slightly to the left, head inclined to the right, gazing at the spectator, wearing a white chemise under a grey satin dress and blue cloak; her right hand resting on cloak on a plinth; a classical urn behind. Previously identified as 'Lady Compton' but this title proved to be impossible for the date. However, an identical composition is at Temple Newsam and identified as a portrait of Isabella Irwin (nee Machell), 1670-1764; now attributed to John Closterman (1660-1711) (LEEAG.PA.1993.0012.0002). Isabella married Arthur Irwin (1666-1702) in 1685; he became 3rd Viscount Irwin and inherited Temple Newsam in 1688.
Provenance
1909 inventory states this work was 'from the Duke of Fife's collection'. Gift of Francis 'Frank' William Green FSA (1861-1954).
Credit line
Treasurer’s House, York, The Frank Green Gift (National Trust)
Makers and roles
British (English) School, publisher previously catalogued as attributed to Sir Peter Lely (Soest 1618 – London 1680), publisher previously catalogued as attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691), publisher