Artwork

Porträit of Mary Constance

Porträit of Mary Constance, by William Beechey, oil, 1792
Porträit of Mary Constance, by William Beechey, oil, 1792

Porträit of Mary Constance is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist William Beechey. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Denver Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1792 oil painting by William Beechey is a portrait of Mary Constance, characteristic of the late Rococo period in British art. It is part of the collection at the Denver Art Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Mary Constance in formal, elegant attire, reflecting the societal emphasis on refined appearance during the late 18th century. Her depiction in a landscape setting may symbolize a connection to nature or leisure.

Technique & Style

Beechey employed polished techniques and restrained ornamentation, typical of his work as a leading British portraitist. The painting features delicate coloration and a balance between the sitter's likeness and a decorative backdrop.

History & Provenance

Created in 1792, the portrait is now held in the permanent collection of the Denver Art Museum, though its history of ownership prior to acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

The work aligns with the late Rococo's aesthetic values, emphasizing individual portraiture within a graceful, ornamental context. It reflects the artistic and social tastes of late 18th-century Britain.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Beechey

Artist

William Beechey

Sir William Beechey (12 December 1753 – 28 January 1839) was a British portraitist during the golden age of British painting.

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