Unknown artist, Britain

A Lady of the Horton Family

c.1655

Image released under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND (3.0 Unported)

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Not on display

Artist: Unknown artist, Britain
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 749 × 622 mm
frame: 922 × 797 × 50 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased 1912
Reference: N02878

Display caption

The inscription identifies this lady as Martha Horton, who married Joshua Horton of Sowerby, Yorkshire, between 1651-6. However, she seems too old and may instead be Martha’s mother-in-law. Her sombre black clothing and lace headdress show she is a widow.

The Horton family were strict adherents to their Puritan faith. This woman, presented with a plain sincerity, rests her finger between the pages of her Bible, from which she seeks spiritual and moral guidance.

Gallery label, April 2005

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Features

Essay

A Lady of the Horton Family c.1665: By British School 17th century

Rica Jones and Joyce H. Townsend

Read technical information about this painting resulting from examination and scientific analysis by conservators and conservation scientists at Tate

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