Study of a Young Girl 1690 - 1710

Sir Godfrey Kneller made this drawing of a young girl in England sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It’s a quick sketch in black chalk on paper, likely a preparatory study for a larger portrait. Kneller was the leading portraitist of his day, and he painted royalty and other members of the British elite. In his role as Principal Painter to the King, his prolific output shaped the public image of the British monarchy and aristocracy. Consider the role of institutions like the monarchy, which shaped the social and economic structures that influenced artistic production. This work reflects the culture of portraiture that elevated the social status of the sitter. To understand this work better, we could investigate the history of portraiture in England. By studying the social and institutional contexts, we can better understand its meaning and significance.