Serenissima Maria D.G. Angl: Scot: Fran: et il: Regina. [Queen Mary]

Dateca. 1735

Engraver John Faber Jr. (1684 - 1756)

After work by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 20 15/16 × 14 7/8in. (53.2 × 37.8cm) Other (Plate): 18 × 12 1/8in. (45.7 × 30.8cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1979-318

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Serenissima Maria D.G. Angl: Scot: Fran: et Hil: Regina./ G. Kneller Baronet.s pinx./ J. Faber fec."
Label TextWhen Queen Mary II (1662-1694) and her husband William II came to the throne in 1689, as a result of what is known as the Glorious Revolution, they reunited Britain after a tumultuous period but also gave up some of the power of the monarchy to parliament. The couple’s joint reign was seen as a return to relative stability – something that benefits the arts. Queen Mary and King William shared the throne as co-rulers when they were crowned in 1689. This unusual arrangement is unique in British history. When Mary died in 1694, William continued to rule until his death in 1702. Having not produced children of their own the throne passed to the next member of the Stuart line, Mary's younger sister Anne.

Queen Mary commissioned painter Sir Godfrey Kneller to create portraits of the ladies for display in Hampton Court Palace. Kneller’s works were then engraved by his collaborator John Smith. These expensive, large-scale engravings were intended for a growing group of wealthy print collectors. Engravings were a more portable way of sharing portraiture. The prints, like the portrait, were meant for a limited public – those who could afford these large-scale mezzotints. Later in the 18th century, portraits of noted beauties or “virtuous” women were still available in print catalogues long after their deaths.
ProvenancePrior to 1979, The Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1979-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).