Sketch of the Artist’s Son, Bartholomew Beale, Facing Left c. 1660

Curator: This is a sketch of Bartholomew Beale, facing left. It was painted by his mother, Mary Beale. Editor: He looks so lost in thought, doesn't he? There's a quiet, almost melancholic air about him despite the youthful curls. Curator: Absolutely. Beale’s portraits offered a unique glimpse into 17th-century domesticity, challenging the traditional, often male-dominated art world. Editor: It feels so intimate, so vulnerable. You can almost feel the connection between mother and son as she's capturing him. It makes me wonder what their relationship was like. Curator: I find it fascinating how she balanced her professional career with her familial role. Editor: A truly remarkable glimpse into the life of a young boy and the artistry of his mother. Curator: Indeed, a window into a woman's life, and to the complex social position of artists at the time.