The Lady with the Fan

The Lady with the Fan

A lady of considerable composure, dressed in silver-blue silk and holding a fan with the sort of effortless authority one associates with people who have never had to carry their own luggage.

The portrait dates from the early eighteenth century and is attributed to the school of Sir Godfrey Kneller. Her identity has been debated over the years. Her confidence appears to have survived the uncertainty.

The original portrait

This portrait is attributed to the School of Sir Godfrey Kneller and dates from 1700–1725. The Met currently titles the sitter “called Maria Taylor Byrd”, reflecting uncertainty around her identity. The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Portrait character: THE LADY
Original artist: School of Sir Godfrey Kneller
Original date: 1700–1725