Who painted Katherine, Countess of Lincoln?

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln was painted by James MacArdell in 1746.

Where can I see Katherine, Countess of Lincoln?

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Katherine, Countess of Lincoln?

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Katherine, Countess of Lincoln?

Museum-quality prints of Katherine, Countess of Lincoln are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln

James MacArdell , 1746

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln is an ink print by the Baroque artist James MacArdell. It dates from 1746 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, upper left verso in graphite: 221/184; by later hand, center right verso in graphite: 12; by later hand, lower center in graphite: (not deciphered); Katherine - eldest daughter Heir of Rt Hon. Henry Pelham / married in 1744. Henry 9th Earl of Lincoln - see account of / her Party at the Exchequer in 1756. Mrs. Delaney's Members- / - vol III. 416.; by later hand, lower left in graphite: 52 880 - (not deciphered) n a jamais Etre (not deciphered); by later hand, lower right verso in graphite (not deciphered)

About this work

Overview

Katherine, Countess of Lincoln is a mezzotint print created by James MacArdell in 1746, depicting a portrait of the countess in a characteristic 18th-century style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Katherine, Countess of Lincoln, is portrayed in a three-quarter view, her face slightly averted, conveying a sense of reserved dignity. Her attire, including a wide-brimmed hat and high-necked dress with lace trim, reflects the modesty and formality expected of her noble status.

Technique & Style

The mezzotint technique allows for expressive shading, with MacArdell employing chiaroscuro to create depth and texture in the countess's face and clothing. The dark background heightens the visual impact of her light-colored attire, drawing the viewer's focus to the subject.

History & Provenance

Created in 1746 by James MacArdell, the print's provenance details are not specified here, though its existence as a mezzotint suggests it was likely part of a larger print run common for portrait reproductions of the time.

Context

This work is emblematic of 18th-century portrait printing, where mezzotint was valued for its ability to reproduce subtle, lifelike textures and shading, making high-quality portraits accessible to a broader audience.

Legacy

As a representation of noble portraiture from the mid-18th century, Katherine, Countess of Lincoln contributes to the historical record of aristocratic life and fashion, while MacArdell's use of mezzotint technique showcases the artistic innovations of the period.