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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