Who painted Margaret Pryse?

Margaret Pryse was painted by William Grimaldi in 1700.

Where can I see Margaret Pryse?

Margaret Pryse is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Margaret Pryse?

Margaret Pryse is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Margaret Pryse

William Grimaldi , 1700

Margaret Pryse is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist William Grimaldi. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1700, this oil portrait by William Grimaldi presents Margaret Pryde (also recorded as Margaret Pryse). The work is part of the collection of the National Library of Wales, where it is displayed as an example of early eighteenth‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in a modest pose, her gaze directed to the left, conveying a calm and composed demeanor. Dressed in dark garments beneath a white bonnet, she embodies the restrained elegance typical of genteel women of the period, reflecting contemporary ideals of modesty and poise.

Technique & Style

Grimaldi employs chiaroscuro to model the face and clothing, creating subtle gradations of light that suggest volume and three‑dimensional form. Fine brushwork renders the texture of the bonnet and fabric, while the muted background recedes, focusing attention on the sitter’s serene expression.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in the possession of Welsh institutions, ultimately entering the National Library of Wales. Documentation ties the work directly to Grimaldi’s early career, providing insight into his portrait practice during the turn of the eighteenth century.