Judith Cary Bell (Mrs. David Bell, 1726-1798)

The portrait looks overpainted from reference photographs and there is a record of restoration, but there are some compositional similarities to John Wollaston’s portraits. The portrait could be a later copy of John Wollaston’s original or after another artist entirely. The canvas is also an unusual size. Judith Bell was the appropriate age to be painted by Wollaston in the 1750s. She was the daughter of Henry Cary and Ann Cary.

Dimensions: 34 x 28 1/2 in. (86.36 x 72.39 cm.)

Subject wears a blue dress with a white stomacher and holds a pink rose up to her breast with her left hand. Her other hand is only partially shown, which is unusual. Drapery appears on one side.

See: FARL