Artwork

The Lady of Rochford

The Lady of Rochford, by Robert Vaughan, ink, 1654
The Lady of Rochford, by Robert Vaughan, ink, 1654

The Lady of Rochford is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Vaughan. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Lady of Rochford is a black-and-white engraving created by Robert Vaughan in 1654, depicting a woman in traditional attire.

Subject & Meaning

The subject wears a long, dark robe adorned with white circular motifs and a head covering, conveying a sense of formality. One hand grasps a small, unidentified object (possibly a fan), while the other rests on her chest, suggesting contemplation or modesty.

Technique & Style

The engraving features sharp, detailed lines achieved through cross-hatching, a technique emphasizing tonal contrast and texture, evident in the rendered folds of the dress and fabric details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1654 by Robert Vaughan, specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided in the available information.

Context

As an engraving, The Lady of Rochford reflects the 17th-century practice of creating detailed, reproducible images. The style and subject's attire place it within a tradition of portraying dignified, possibly aristocratic, figures.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent art is not specified in the provided details, though it remains an example of 17th-century engraving techniques.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.