English School, circa 1619

Private collection, United Kingdom;

Anonymous sale, London, Bonhams, 8 July 2015, lot 77 (as circle of Paul van Somer);

Where acquired by the present owner.

This lady's elaborate feathered hat and lace collar can be compared with those worn by Susanna Temple, later Lady Lister (1600–1669), in her portrait by Cornelius Johnson (1593–1661), signed and dated 1620, which hangs today in the Tate Britain, London.¹ Her high-waisted dress with hanging sleeves is also typical of fashion in Britain from around 1619 to 1625. Indeed, a similar ensemble is donned by Elizabeth Howard, later Countess of Banbury (1586–1658), in her likeness attributed to Daniel Mytens (c. 1590–1647) at Kenwood House, which is datable around c. 1618–20.²

¹ Inv. no. T03250; oil on oak panel, 85 x 68.6 cm.

² Inv. no. 88019166; oil on canvas, 213.4 x 142.6 cm.