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.ProvenanceBefore 1971, the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1971-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).