Who painted Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772)?

Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772) was painted by John Wollaston in 1749.

Where can I see Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772)?

Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772) is held by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

What movement is Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772)?

Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772) is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772)

John Wollaston , 1749

Portrait of Mrs. Richard Nicholls (Margaret Tudor, 1699–1772) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist John Wollaston. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About this work

Overview

John Wollaston the Younger created this oil portrait in 1749, depicting Margaret Tudor Nichols, who lived from 1699 to 1772. Executed in the Rococo manner popular in mid‑eighteenth‑century England, the work now belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented in a gold gown trimmed with lace, complemented by a white head covering and a shawl edged in lace. Her dark hair is gathered back, and she gazes directly at the viewer with a composed, neutral expression, suggesting a dignified yet approachable presence.

Technique & Style

Wollaston employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using the dark brown background to heighten contrast and give the portrait a three‑dimensional quality. The delicate handling of fabrics and the soft rendering of facial features reflect the English Rococo’s emphasis on elegance and refined surface treatment.

History & Provenance

Active between 1742 and 1775, Wollaston worked chiefly in British North America, where he introduced English Rococo portrait conventions to colonial patrons. After changing hands over the centuries, the painting entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it remains on view.

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Artist & collection

Artist

John Wollaston

John Wollaston (fl. 1742 – 1775) was an English painter who specialised in portrait painting and was active mostly in British North America. He was one of a handful of painters to introduce English Rococo styles of…