Lot 8: Christian Richter (Swedish, 1678-1732) A Lady, half-length, wearing blue dress over white smock, a crimson mantle about her shoulders, she rests her right elbow on a plinth, a dove nestled in her hand, pillar and landscape background

A Lady, half-length, wearing blue dress over white smock, a crimson mantle about her shoulders, she rests her right elbow on a plinth, a dove nestled in her hand, pillar and landscape background.
Watercolour on vellum, set in original fishskin covered brass travelling case.
Rectangular, 78mm (3 1/16in) high
Provenance: Purchased in 1973
Exhibited: Portrait Miniatures from the Merchiston Collection, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 23 September – 11 December 2005, no.9
Literature: Stephen Lloyd, Exhibition Catalogue, 2005, p.24-5 and 57, ill.col.pl.5

The sitter in the present portrait is depicted in "undress" clothing, which had become fashionable for the portraiture of this period thanks to the influence of Anthony van Dyck and Sir Peter Lely. Being painted in "undress" indicated an elevated status in society, as those of lower status were required to be fully clothed in the presence of superiors.