An Unknown Lady

Jonathan Richardson the elder (London 1665 – London 1745). Oil painting on canvas, An Unknown Lady by Jonathan Richardson the elder (London 1665 – London 1745). Three-quarter-length portrait of of a young woman, moving to the left, head turned slightly to the right, gazing at the spectator. Wearing a deep blue decollete dress which is gathered up at the left hip and edged with narrow lace. The slashed shoulder reveals a white undersleeve on the left arm. The left hand clasps a grey fichu to the breast. Fichu falls from the right shoulder. Her brown hair is swept back from a centre parting, following the line of her neck, to fall over her right shoulder. Dark background, but a tree and blue sky are visible at top, left corner. Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk (Accredited Museum)