My Dearest Heart

Mary Beale (1633–1699) was one of the earliest professional women artists in Britain. Her successful career was documented by her husband, Charles, whose almanacks provide a unique record of Mary’s patrons, painting technique and family affairs. Her portraits of politicians, clergy, aristocracy and intellectuals reflect the vibrant literary, scientific and political scene of the seventeenth century. She has been seen as a feminist icon not only as a professional artist but also as a poet and the author of a Discourse on Friendship (1667) which argued for the equality of husband and wife in marriage – a radical concept at that time.This new edition includes newly documented paintings by Mary Beale that have come to light since the first edition was published in 2019.

Dr Penelope Hunting graduated with an honours degree in history from the University of London, followed by a PhD in architectural history. She has written books on the history of London, the City livery companies and two historical biographies. Her History of the Royal Society of Medicine (2001) received an award from the Society of Authors. Her most recent book, Riot and Revolution, (2013) is a biography of the seventeenth-century Lord Mayor of London, Sir Robert Geffery. Dr Hunting is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Chairman of the London Topographical Society and a trustee of the Heatherley School of Fine Art, Chelsea.Dr Penelope Hunting resides in London.

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