Artwork
Portrait of Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, née Harrington
Portrait of Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, née Harrington is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Baroque artist Isaac Oliver. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This portrait miniature depicts a woman, identified as Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, adorned in elaborate attire and jewelry, characteristic of the era's display of wealth and status.
Subject & Meaning
The subject's opulent clothing and accessories, including a necklace, earrings, and jewel-encrusted dress, signify her high social standing, as attire was a key indicator of status during this period.
Technique & Style
The artist, Oliver, employed Nicholas Hilliard's jewelling technique to render the pearl earrings, using a raised blob of white lead paint, topped with real silver, to achieve a sparkling effect. The use of actual gold for the pearl's setting adds to the overall opulence.
History & Provenance
The subject is believed to be Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, née Harrington, although the certainty of her identity is not absolute.
Artist & collection
Madonna and Child in Glory
Portret van een vrouw
Portret van een vrouw in maskeradekleding als Flora
Ludovic Stuart (1574-1623/1624), eerste hertog van Richmond en tweede hertog van Lennox of Thomas Howard (1561-1628), graaf van Suffolk
Arabella Stuart
Porträt der Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (1566-1601)
Study of the head of an old man
Madonna and Child in Glory
