A refined seventeenth-century engraving by William Faithorne the Elder, depicting Mrs. Sarah Gilly within a formal oval frame.

This engraving by William Faithorne the Elder depicts Mrs. Sarah Gilly, a subject rendered with the technical precision characteristic of seventeenth-century English printmaking. Faithorne, who studied under Robert Peake and later spent time in Paris, brought a refined continental sensibility to his work. His mastery of the burin allowed for the creation of subtle tonal variations, which are visible here in the delicate modelling of the subject's face and the texture of her ringlets.

The composition follows the conventions of the period, placing the sitter within an oval frame. This framing device, combined with the inclusion of a coat of arms at the base, aligns with the formal portraiture traditions of the Restoration era. The subject is shown in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a composed expression. Her attire, featuring a low-cut bodice and a simple pearl necklace, reflects the fashion of the mid-seventeenth century.

Faithorne was highly regarded for his ability to capture the likeness of his sitters while maintaining a clean, disciplined line. The background, composed of fine horizontal hatching, provides a neutral space that draws attention to the subject. The inscription at the bottom, identifying the sitter, is executed in a clear, elegant script that complements the overall design. This print serves as a record of the portraiture styles favoured by the English gentry during the mid-1600s. It demonstrates the artist's skill in balancing decorative elements, such as the heraldic shield, with the naturalistic representation of the human form. The work remains a fine example of the high standard of craftsmanship maintained by Faithorne throughout his career in London.