Copy after Hans Holbein the Younger – Lady Lee (Margaret Wyatt, born about 1509) Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The portrait presents a woman in three-quarter view against a dark, uniform background. She is positioned slightly left of center, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes a sense of engagement. The composition emphasizes a formal and restrained elegance characteristic of Northern Renaissance portraiture.
Here we see the subject adorned in rich fabrics indicative of status and wealth. A deep crimson gown, heavily embroidered with what appears to be gold thread, dominates the visual field. The sleeves are puffed and gathered at the wrist, revealing a pristine white linen cuff. A delicate floral brooch is pinned near her chest, adding a touch of personal adornment amidst the grandeur of the attire. Her hair is dark, partially concealed by a fine veil edged with pearls, which frames her face and draws attention to her features. Elaborate pearl earrings dangle from her ears, further emphasizing her affluence.
The artist has rendered the woman’s complexion with meticulous detail, capturing subtle variations in tone that suggest a naturalism uncommon for the period. Her expression is composed; it conveys an impression of dignity and composure rather than overt emotion. The lighting is even, illuminating her face and upper body without creating harsh shadows, which contributes to the overall sense of serenity.
Inscribed above the subject’s shoulders are the words ETATIS SVAE 34, indicating that she was thirty-four years old at the time of the portraits creation. This inscription serves as a marker of identity and age, common practice in formal portraits of the era. The inclusion of this detail underscores the importance placed on recording biographical information alongside visual representation.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of status, lineage, and personal identity. The opulent clothing and jewelry signify her high social standing, while the inscription reinforces a sense of permanence and legacy. The direct gaze suggests an assertion of selfhood and agency within the confines of societal expectations for women during this period. The overall effect is one of controlled presentation – a carefully constructed image designed to convey respectability, wealth, and enduring presence.