Mary Beale's Striking Portrait of Martha Hawtrey Bought for £17,500...
12th June 2025
Our recent Fine Art Sale at Lawrences Auctioneers saw keen interest in Lot 327: Mary Beale (1633–1699), Portrait of Martha Hawtrey (1645–1718). Estimated at £4,000–£6,000, the portrait soared and was bought for a final price of £17,500*, more than doubling its upper estimate and confirming once again the growing appeal of early female artists and well-documented portraiture with strong provenance.
Painted in oil on canvas and measuring 75 x 62.5cm (90 x 77cm framed), the portrait depicts Martha Hawtrey, daughter of Ralph Hawtrey of Purley in Surrey and wife of George Booth, rendered in a russet dress. An inscription at the upper left identifies the sitter and adds to the work's historical dignity, noting her birth in May 1645 and her death on May 6th, 1718. Crucially, this work came with provenance, having remained in the family of the sitter by descent, a detail that resonates deeply with collectors of period portraiture.
Mary Beale is recognised today as one of the first professional female painters in Britain. Working in a predominantly male artistic world, she achieved commercial and critical success in the late 17th century. Her work often blends a naturalistic sensibility with a gentle, perceptive eye for character, qualities that are keenly observed in this portrait.
This sale result reflects a broader market trend: a growing interest in historically significant female artists whose work has long been undervalued. Artists like Beale are gaining well-deserved recognition. The market has responded in kind, with values for such works on a notable upward trajectory.
The success of this portrait reflects not only the specific appeal of the work itself, but also the wider art market’s shifting focus. Collectors are increasingly drawn to paintings with strong narrative, authenticity, and connections to broader historical themes. The renewed appreciation for female Old Masters and the desire to fill gaps in institutional collections has added further momentum.
At Lawrences, we’re delighted to have handled such a significant and beautiful work and even more so to see it find a new home with a collector who recognised its worth.
(Final Price includes *Buyers Premium)
