Mary Beale, a prominent British artist, was born on March 26, 1633, in Suffolk, England. She is considered one of the most successful professional female portrait painters of the late 17th century due to her perseverance and business acumen. Praised by Richard Gibson and court painter Peter Lely, she is often compared to Joan Carlile, another English portrait painter who was one of the first women to practice painting professionally.
Early Life and Training
Mary Beale's father, John Cradock, was a rector and an amateur painter. It is likely that he taught Mary how to paint, as it was common for fathers to teach their daughters how to paint at the time. Growing up in Barrow, Suffolk, Mary lived close to Bury St Edmunds, where she may have met
Peter Lely and other painters.
Mary Cradock married Charles Beale, a cloth merchant and amateur painter, on March 8, 1651/2. The couple moved to Walton-on-Thames, and Charles eventually became Mary's studio manager. Throughout their marriage, Mary and Charles worked together as equals and business partners, which was not often seen at the time.
Artistic Career
Mary Beale started her career by painting favors for people she knew in exchange for small gifts or favors. She became a semi-professional portrait painter in the 1650s and 1660s, working from her home in Covent Garden and later in Fleet Street, London. Her book Observations, although never officially published, was one of the first instructional books written by a woman and boldly announced her authority on painting.
Mary Beale's typical charges were five pounds for a painting of a head and ten pounds for half of a body for oil paintings. She made about two hundred pounds a year and gave ten percent of her earnings to charity. This income was enough to support her family, making her a remarkable example of a female breadwinner in the 17th century.
Notable Works
Some of Mary Beale's notable works include
Portrait of Sir Thomas Rivett,
Portrait of John Tillotson, and Self-Portrait. Her paintings are characterized by their use of oil and water colors, and she often drew in crayon.
Legacy
Mary Beale's legacy as a trailblazing female portrait painter has been recognized by art historians and enthusiasts. Her work can be found in various museums, including the
National Gallery in London. As a successful businesswoman and artist, Mary Beale paved the way for future generations of female artists.
- Visit https://WahooArt.com/@/MaryBeale to learn more about Mary Beale's life and work.
- Explore WahooArt.com's collection of Baroque era paintings, including works by Peter Lely and other notable artists.
- Discover the National Gallery's collection of British art, featuring works by Mary Beale and other prominent artists.
Mary Beale's story serves as an inspiration to artists and art enthusiasts alike, showcasing her determination and perseverance in a male-dominated field. Her legacy continues to be celebrated through her artwork, which can be found in various museums and collections around the world.