Betsy Lanyon, a fish wife who also featured in Nearly Done, A Pinch of Snuff (Penlee Gallery and Museum collection) and Walter Langley's  A Quiet Afternoon, was one of Harris's and Langley's favourite models. In fact such was her popularity and success within the Newlyn colony that in the 1891 census, the 84 year old widow changed her declared occupation to Artist's Model.

Like Harris's other portraits of Betsy the present work is an example of the early Newlyn School’s preference for interior subjects lit by a single light source, in this instance, natural light from a window. This portrait however is distinguished by the degree of observed detail on Betsy's face, and its masterful execution. 

Edwin Harris arrived in Newlyn close behind Walter Langley in 1883 after an earlier reconnaissance trip in 1881. Harris and Langley were therefore the pioneers of what was to become the Newlyn colony and school of artists. It is likely that this painting was completed in the year or two following the Birmingham artists' arrival. The work is presented in what is believed to be its original gilt frame, since conserved.