Mary Fielding
Engraver Isaac Beckett British
After Sir Peter Lely (Pieter van der Faes) Dutch, British
Sitter Lady Mary Fielding British
Not on view
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.