Portrait of Arabella Hunt (1662-1705)

Singer and lutenist Arabella Hunt served at the English court for many years and was much loved by Queen Mary II Stuart (1662-1694). Hunt performed there and gave singing lessons to Mary’s sister, later Queen Anna Stuart (1665-1714). She was famous, and admired and respected by many professionals and contemporaries, including the playwright William Congreve (1670-1729), who wrote the laudatory poem for this print.