'Mary Beaton'

Photograph of a half-length portrait of Mary Beaton (1543-98), lady-in-waiting of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87). The sitter is facing slightly to the left and gazing at the viewer. Richly clad, she poses in a dark embroidered dress with lace-trimmed cuffs and high collar. A multi-strand pearl necklace hangs across her body from right shoulder to left hip.

At the time of the photograph, the painting was in the collection of Admiral Bethune of Balfour, Fifeshire (1802-84). In 1913, it was highly likely acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland.