Who painted Margaret Smith?

Margaret Smith was painted by William Faithorne in 1654.

Where can I see Margaret Smith?

Margaret Smith is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Margaret Smith?

Margaret Smith is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Margaret Smith

William Faithorne , 1654

Margaret Smith is an ink print by the Baroque artist William Faithorne. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Faithorne’s 1654 engraving presents a portrait of a woman identified as Margaret Smith. Rendered in black and white, the image is confined within a circular frame and set against an unadorned background. The sitter’s hair is styled in loose curls, and she wears a pearl necklace, a draped sleeve, and a decorative brooch at the chest.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a genteel female figure, suggesting her social standing through the inclusion of luxurious accessories such as pearls and an elaborate dress. The plain backdrop focuses attention on the sitter’s features and attire, emphasizing personal identity rather than narrative context.

Technique & Style

Faithorne employs fine, closely spaced lines to model the face and clothing, using cross‑hatching for subtle shading. The engraving demonstrates the precision of 17th‑century line work, with the artist’s hand evident in the delicate rendering of hair texture and the sheen of the pearl necklace.

History & Provenance

Created in 1654, the print bears the sitter’s name in period lettering at the bottom, confirming its identity. As a work by Faithorne, a noted English engraver, it reflects the artist’s prolific output during the mid‑17th century, though specific ownership records beyond its original circulation remain limited.