Husband as muse | Fruit of Friendship: Portraits by Mary Beale

Mary Beale (1633-1699) was one of Britain’s first professional woman artists. This intimate portrait of her husband, Charles, is one of Beale’s earliest surviving works. It records a seminal moment in the careers of both husband and wife; Beale as a respected painter of portraits and Charles as a clerk in the patents office. The Beales were collaborators in art, life, and business, as richly evidenced in diaries, letters, poems, and tender portraits, such as this exquisite example.

This portrait is currently on display at Philip Mould & Company as part of our exhibition Fruit of Friendship: Portraits by Mary Beale (25th April - 19th July 2024).

Mary Beale (1633-1699)
Charles Beale (1631–1705), late 1650s
Oil on paper, laid on panel
12 ½ × 10 ¼ in. (31.8 × 26 cm)

#MaryBeale #FruitOfFriendship #WomenArtists #HerStory

[christianfrommuslim]

Thank you for bringing attention to this and other classic portraits, which have taken a distant back seat to their position a century ago.

[williamevans]

It's a pleasure to see you and Mr Hendra back on YouTube! Many thanks, as always.

[thomasmurray]

Mr. Mould, it is always a pleasure to see a new video from you; informative, educational and thought provoking. Many Thanks.

[andrewnorris]

I also love hearing you talk about one or two paintings. I wish you would do more, especially with 20th Century British Artists! Please, Mr Mould, more !! Thank you.

[MariaFrancaSerrau]

I love these little gems you give us as a present! They are more precious than the real ones, for me! Thank You Mr Mould!

[lucifersam]

Elegantly presented; I love Bach.~

In my opinion. The sitter has a slightly androgynous feel -would there be no moustache.