The Lady Guldeforde (Mary Wotton, Lady Guildford)
Original title: The Lady Guldeforde (Mary Wotton, Lady Guildford)
kurzbeschreibung
Mary Wotton, Lady Guildford, appears in an etching by Wenceslaus Hollar from 1647. The source was a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger from the Arundel collection. Two states of the print exist; this is the second.
Description
Within an oval, the sitter gazes out with a serious, thoughtful face. An ornate, richly patterned headdress frames her head, and a dark blouse with embroidery covers her upper body. A striking pendant hangs from a chain around her neck. Below the oval are the title 'THE LADY GULDEFORDE' and references to Holbein as painter of the original, Hollar as etcher, and the Arundel collection.
Context
Hollar made the etching in 1647 in the service of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, whose collection held important works by Holbein. The underlying Holbein painting dates from around 1527 and depicts Mary Wotton, the second wife of Sir Henry Guildford. Hollar produced numerous reproductive prints after works in the Arundel collection, helping to spread knowledge of art.
Impact
The oval frame and delicate linework give the portrait an elegant, distinguished air. The sitter's serious expression and the detailed rendering of clothing and jewelry create a calm, dignified presence.
Technique
The etching was made by acid on paper; fine lines shape facial features and fabric patterns. The second state shows possible reworking compared with the first, strengthening details and contrasts. At 13.8 × 1.1 cm, the sheet is unusually narrow and tall.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)