How do we know that the woman in "Portrait of a Lady" was a member of the upper class?

I've found several references to "Portrait of a Lady." Who was the artist?

It says the artist is unknown.

These sites have several paintings with that title and by unknown artists. All of them seem to be portraits of elegantly dressed women. The title itself is an indication of her upper class standing.

http://mati.eas.asu.edu:8421/ChicanArte/html_pages/18thCenIssOutl.html

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/collection/international/painting/i/ipa00046.html

http://british-miniatures2.blogspot.com/2007/07/unknown-portrait-of-lady-wearing-bonnet.html

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=%22Portrait+of+a+Lady%22+Unknown&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=%22portrait+of+a+lady%22+painting&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

See how many different ones there are? Which one are you referring to?

??

I'm talking about the first one in the last row.

Elegant dress, for sure, as Ms. Sue has stated.

Also look at her hands -- clean, well cared for, and with rings on.

Look at her hair -- well done with a sophisticated, almost transparent head cloth.

All aspects of this shout "upper class"! Contrast this with the second images in the first and third rows. What do you see and not see?

To determine if the woman in "Portrait of a Lady" was a member of the upper class, we can look for several clues within the painting and consider the historical context. Here are some steps to help us analyze the painting and reach a conclusion:

1. Observe the attire and accessories: Look closely at the woman's clothing, jewelry, and accessories depicted in the painting. High-class individuals often wore luxurious and fashionable clothing made of expensive materials such as silk, velvet, or brocade, adorned with intricate patterns or embroidery. They would also wear accessories like fine jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and tiaras. If the woman in the portrait is depicted wearing such attire and accessories, it suggests that she belonged to the upper class.

2. Examine the setting and background: Pay attention to the environment and setting depicted in the painting. Upper-class individuals would often be portrayed in elegant and lavish surroundings, such as luxurious homes, palaces, or well-maintained gardens. If the woman in the portrait is shown within a sophisticated or opulent setting, it indicates her affiliation with the upper class.

3. Observe the posture and demeanor: Consider the woman's demeanor and posture in the painting. Members of the upper class were often portrayed with confidence, grace, and elegance, demonstrating their refined upbringing and social status. They might have been depicted in a relaxed, dignified pose or engaged in activities associated with the elite, such as reading, playing musical instruments, or engaging in intellectual pursuits.

4. Research the artist and historical context: Investigate the artist who created the portrait and the historical period in which it was painted. Artists often had specific clientele from the upper class who commissioned their work. Additionally, certain artistic styles and trends were favored by the nobility and wealthy patrons. Understanding the artist's background and the social context of the painting can provide further insights into the subject's social status.

By carefully examining the details within the painting, considering the setting, attire, demeanor, and conducting historical research, we can form a well-informed analysis and draw conclusions about whether the depicted woman in "Portrait of a Lady" was a member of the upper class.