This
outstanding portrait of a young lady in green was painted by the renowned court
artist Sir Godfrey Kneller. The identity of the sitter is at present unknown, but
various symbolic elements suggest it was painted to celebrate her marriage. The
Convolvulus (or Bindweed) visible in the top left hand is a symbol of Christian
purity; it’s iridescent whiteness, like that of the Lily, made it an
appropriate symbol of innocence and purity. The bay leaves in the upper right
achieve the same effect but draw instead upon mythological tradition; in order
to resist Apollo’s advances Diana turned herself into a bay tree. The bay
leaves, like the Convolvulus, therefore, pronounce the sitter's virginal
qualities.

Under
the reign of William and Mary, Kneller was the principal painter to the court.
His work from this date reflects the profound influence of Flemish art, most of
all Rubens, most notable here in the confident sketchy brushstroke and the
typically hazy, earthy-toned background.[1]
The technical mastery of the present work firmly distinguishes it from the
works of a more average quality produced by his prolific studio, many of which
have, in the past, been unjustly attributed to the artist’s hand.

[1]
Stewart, Sir Godfrey Kneller, p.43.