The Studious Fair.
Dateca. 1760
After work by
Mary Benwell
(1739 - after 1800)
Engraver
Charles Spooner
Publisher
Henry Parker
(ca. 1725 - 1809)
Publisher
Robert Sayer (1725-1794)
OriginEngland, London
MediumHand-colored mezzotint engraving
DimensionsOH: 14 1/4" x OW: 10 3/4"; Plate H: 13 3/4" x W: 10"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1971-477
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The Studious Fair./ Miss Benwell pinx.t/ C. Spooner fecit/ London, Printed for Hen.y Parker opposite Birchin Lane in Cornhill, & Rob.t Sayer near Serjeants Inn, Fleet Street."Label TextThis print depicting a woman reading a book might be a portrait of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744–1818), the wife of King George III. The artist of the original work, Mary Benwell (1739- after 1800) was an artist who worked in oils, chalk, and miniatures until her marriage in 1762, when she retired from the profession which was expected for female artists of any kind during this time (which were rare). Richard Houston engraved a portrait of Queen Charlotte by her in 1766, which adds to the association with the Queen being the subject of this print.
1787
1787
1750-1780
1755-1765
Ca. 1760
1760-1770
1755-1765