Portrait of the Duchess of York

Known for his fine protraiture, William Beechey depicts here Princess Frederica, Duchess of York. Inspired by the work of painter Joshua Reynolds, Beechey creates an intimate setting with the use of soft brushstrokes. The Duchess sits on a red velvet settle and holds a letter of correspondence, a visual cue typically reserved for monarchs or subjects in positions of power. The prominent letter in Beechey's portrait presents the Duchess as an educated and independent female figure, rather than a dormant spouse.