Henrietta Johnston

Henrietta de Beaulieu Dering Johnston (ca. 1674 – March 9, 1729) was a pastelist of uncertain origin active in the English colonies in North America from approximately 1708 until her death. She is both the earliest recorded female artist and the first known pastelist working in the English colonies. Both the date and place of Johnston's birth are unknown; it has been suggested, and is generally accepted, that she was born in northwestern France, near the town of Rennes. Her parents, both French Huguenots, were Francis and Suzanna de Beaulieu, and the family immigrated to London in 1687. In 1694 Henrietta married Robert Dering, fifth son of Sir Edward Dering, Baronet, moving with him to Ireland. It was during this time that Johnston...