Eleanor James
- Artist: Unknown artist
- Date: circa 1690
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 49 7/8 in. x 40 3/4 in. (1268 mm x 1035 mm)
- Portrays: Eleanor James
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is “Eleanor James,” a portrait painted in oil on canvas around 1690 by an unknown artist. You’ll notice her poised front view, set against a rich textile backdrop that hints at the carpet and chair details common to the period. She holds her book—Mrs. James’s Vindication of the Church of England (1687)—close to her chest, showing the very work she commissioned. Notice the tall hat and the elaborate lace collar; she wears the full height of contemporary fashion instead of the simpler dress that typifies many portraits of the time. Eleanor was a leading printer‑writer; her home press produced over ninety pamphlets on politics, religion and society. The painting captures both her public role and her stylish presence in late‑17th‑century London.
See it in person
Eleanor James is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
