Artwork
Lady Katherine Harrington
Lady Katherine Harrington is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Faithorne. It dates from 1682 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
William Faithorne’s 1682 engraving presents a portrait of Lady Katherine Harrington. Rendered in black and white, the image captures the sitter’s curly hair, low‑cut neckline, and ornamental collar, while her hands rest on a heraldic shield. The composition is set against an unadorned background, framed by intricate swirls and a banner bearing her name.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts Lady Katherine Harrington, a member of the English gentry, emphasizing her status through the inclusion of a crested shield and fine jewelry. The poised posture and refined attire convey dignity and social rank, while the simplicity of the backdrop directs attention to her facial expression and the subtle interplay of light and shadow.
Technique & Style
Faithorne employs the traditional intaglio engraving process, incising fine lines into a copper plate to achieve a range of tonal contrasts.
Faithorne employs the traditional intaglio engraving process, incising fine lines into a copper plate to achieve a range of tonal contrasts. The portrait balances meticulous detailing—particularly in the lace collar and shield—with broader, more gestural strokes that suggest texture in the hair and fabric. This juxtaposition creates a vivid relief of the sitter’s features against the flat background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1682, the print reflects Faithorne’s mature period, during which he produced numerous portrait engravings for the English aristocracy. While specific ownership records are scarce, the engraving has appeared in several 18th‑century collections of portrait prints, indicating its circulation among collectors of contemporary likenesses.
Context
The portrait belongs to a broader tradition of 17th‑century English portraiture that combined realistic representation with decorative elements. Engravings such as this served both as personal commemorations and as means of disseminating the likenesses of notable families across a growing print market.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Faithorne (1616–1691) was a British artist, born in Greater London.
