MFA Boston acquires a Mary Beale
January 5 2024
Picture: MFA Boston
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The MFA Boston has announced its acquisition a portrait by the British female artist Mary Beale. The fine portrait of Gertrude Saville, Marchioness of Halifax, was sold to the museum by the dealer Peter Harrison.
According to the museum's post on Instagram:
The MFA is one of the first museums in the United States to acquire a painting by Mary Beale, the most famous woman painter in England in the 17th century. Today, Beale is being rediscovered in Britain, but she remains largely unknown across the Atlantic.
"This portrait is filled with beautiful details. I love the bronze sheen of the dress and the vivid blues of her wrap and eyes. Notice how Beale captured the play of light on the curls of hair. We selected this portrait over others on the market for its grandeur and because it depicts an identifiable sitter." -Frederick Ilchman, Mrs. Russell W. Baker Curator of Paintings and Chair, Art of Europe
