George Gower – Lady Kytson Tate Britain (London)

The portrait presents a woman in three-quarter view against a stark black background. The composition is tightly focused on her upper body and face, emphasizing her presence and status. She is positioned slightly off-center, creating a sense of deliberate arrangement rather than casualness.
Here we see the subject adorned with elaborate attire indicative of considerable wealth and social standing. A dark hat, embellished with what appears to be jeweled ornamentation and topped with a plume of white feathers, dominates the upper portion of the frame. The high ruff around her neck is intricately pleated and edged with pearls or similar small beads, further highlighting her affluence. Her sleeves are lavishly decorated with complex patterns rendered in contrasting colors – predominantly white against a dark background – suggesting skilled craftsmanship and expensive materials. A red garment peeks out from beneath the sleeve detailing, adding another layer of visual richness.
The woman’s expression is reserved; she gazes directly at the viewer with an air of composure and dignity. Her skin tone appears pale, typical for portraiture of this period, potentially signifying virtue or refinement. The artist has rendered her hair in a reddish-brown hue, styled neatly beneath the hat.
Inscribed near the top edge are numerals “A° DNI 1573” and text aetatis suae 26, indicating the year of creation and the subject’s age at the time – twenty-six years old. The inscription is placed in a manner that does not distract from the central figure, but serves as an important contextual element.
The dark background contributes to a sense of formality and isolation, drawing attention solely to the woman and her presentation. It also creates a dramatic contrast with the bright colors and textures of her clothing, enhancing their visual impact. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance and restrained display, conveying not only wealth but also an impression of social importance and personal restraint.