Published:
11:30 AM January 29, 2021
An oil portrait by the 17th century Bury St Edmunds artist Mary Beale, which has sold at auction for £100,000.
- Credit: Reeman Dansie
The work of 17th century Bury St Edmunds artist Mary Beale has received a new record offer after one of her oil portraits sold at auction for £100,000.
The oil portrait, believed to be of her son Batholomew Beale, sold for £100,000 to an internet bidder on Wednesday.
The portrait was the top lot in a two-day auction by Reeman Dansie Auctioneers in Colchester, which exceeded sales of £600,000. The auction was only anticipated to reach £200,000.
Mary Beale was one of only a small number of female artists working professionally in London during her day and she is believed to be England s first professional female painter.