Portrait of Mrs. Catherine Crofts

Katherine, also known as Catherine Crofts (1637-1686), was the daughter of MP Sir Henry Crofts and sister to William Crofts, First Baron of Saxham. Despite Sir Henry's neutrality, the Crofts family had a close relationship with the English throne. During the English Civil Wars, William fled to Scotland and France with his brothers, living in exile with Charles II and later rewarded with the peerage for his loyalty. Catherine's cousin, Cecelia Crofts, served as maid of honour to Queen Henrietta Maria, and her cousin-in-law, Sir Edward Burgh, was the first husband of Catherine Parr. The family's prominence led them to be subjects of eminent portraitists like Sir Peter Lely and Antony Van Dyck, and Mary Beale with their works residing in notable collections.

Mary Beale

Mary Beale (1633-1699) was an English Baroque portrait painter and one of England’s earliest professional female artists. Born in Barrow, Suffolk, she was the daughter of John Cradock, a church rector and amateur painter who supported his daughter's artistic pursuits. In 1652, she married Charles Beale, a minor civil servant who later managed her studio and business affairs. Mary Beale's career flourished in the 1670s. Her highly regarded portraits captured the likenesses of many notable figures. Running a successful painting studio in London, her husband played a crucial role in her career, preparing her canvases and meticulously recording her work. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Beale's works were often characterised by a warm, natural style that resonated with her clients and earned commendation from court painter Sir Peter Lely. Her success as a portrait artist enabled her to support her family through her art, a noteworthy achievement for a woman in the 17th century. Beale also wrote instructional manuscripts, sharing her knowledge about painting techniques and materials. Her writings, known as "Observations," were praised by scholars, including Sir William Sanderson in his 1658 book "Graphice." Her contributions to art extended beyond her own paintings, as she influenced future generations of artists with her detailed observations and practical advice. Other notable works by Beale include "Discourse on Friendship" from 1666, which offered a female scholarly perspective on the subject. Mary Beale's legacy lives on through the many portraits that survive today, showcasing her skill and dedication to her craft. She remains a significant figure in the history of British art, remembered for her pioneering role as a female artist in a male-dominated field.

Museums
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Tate Britain
Bodleian Library, Oxford
Christ's Colledge, Cambridge