Who painted Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck?

Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck was painted by Nicolas de Larmessin IV in 1720.

Where can I see Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck?

Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck?

Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck

Nicolas de Larmessin IV , 1720

Lady Mary Ruthven, Wife of A. Van Dyck is an ink print by the Baroque artist Nicolas de Larmessin IV. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nicolas de Larmessin IV produced this 1720 engraving portraying Lady Mary Ruthven, identified as the spouse of A. Van Dyck. Executed in black and white, the image presents a solitary figure against an unadorned backdrop, directing the viewer’s focus to the sitter’s features and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman with tightly curled hair, a pearl necklace, and a high‑necked dress trimmed with ruffled cuffs. She holds a fan in one hand and meets the viewer with a composed, steady gaze, suggesting poise and social standing typical of early‑18th‑century aristocratic portraiture.

Technique & Style

Larmessin employed the engraving process, incising fine lines into a copper plate to render tonal variation. Delicate hatching creates shadows and texture on the dress and hair, while the crisp, controlled strokes give the image a clear sense of depth despite the monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1720, the print reflects the continued popularity of engraved portraiture after the decline of painted miniatures. The work is attributed to the fourth Nicolas de Larmessin, a French engraver known for reproducing fashionable portraits for a growing market of collectors.

Context

In the early 1700s, engravings served as a primary means of disseminating likenesses of the elite before photography. Such prints allowed families to circulate images of their members and enabled a broader audience to access representations of fashionable society.