Elizabeth Coke of Derbyshire (1676–1739) 1690

Mary Beale, a leading female portraitist of the 17th century, painted "Elizabeth Coke of Derbyshire" in the late 1600s. Beale achieved professional success in a male-dominated field through her artistic skill and social connections, which allowed her access to patrons like Elizabeth Coke. This portrait captures Coke in the conventional style of the time, emphasizing her status through her attire and composed demeanor. Yet, Beale’s perspective as a woman offers a nuanced gaze. The soft brushwork and attention to the subject's expression may reflect a distinct female sensibility, diverging from the more overtly powerful representations often produced by male artists. Beale once wrote about her ambition to "serve the age" through her art. In this spirit, "Elizabeth Coke of Derbyshire" reflects the complexities of gender and class in the 17th century, inviting us to consider both the subject's identity and the artist's unique position in shaping it.