Lot 31

Anglický malíř PORTRAIT OF MARY SOMERSET DUCHESS OF BEAUFORT

This finely painted portrait of a noblewoman probably depicts the young duchess before her marriage. Her body is turned almost in profile, but her head is turned towards the viewer, on whom her eyes are fixed, the slightest hint of a smile on her lips. Her alabaster face and high forehead emphasize her hair, dressed into locks falling on her shoulders; her noble beauty is underlined by her pearl necklace and earrings. Her hairstyle and clothing correspond to pre-1700 French and English fashion; the full gathered balloon sleeve is bordered with gold braiding, transitioning to a deep décolletage and dark bodice. Two seals on the back of the painting. From the assessment by PhDr. Hana Seifertová: “A fine, almost smooth painting without distinctive contours follows the portrait characteristics of the model, portraying her in a natural, almost intimate light with elegance, without any sort of highlighted pathos or prestige. The chamber focus makes this very high quality painting exceptional.”