32.50inch framed width
37.50inch framed height
(82.55 cm framed width 95.25 cm framed height)
Description
Oil on canvas in 17th c. carved and giltwood frame.
This superb painting of Elizabeth Wriothesley is a studio half length version of the three quarter length Lely painted for the Duke and Duchess of York in 1665, and which now hangs in Hampton Court Palace as part of the famous 'Beauties' collection.
ELIZABETH WRIOTHESLEY (1645/6-1690), the daughter of the Earl of Southampton, inherited a great fortune when her first husband, Joceline Percy, Earl of Northumberland died in 1670.
She had great political power and wealth (both her own family and that of her first husband were among the richest and most influential at court).
It was said that Elizabeth would have liked to marry James, Duke of York, but in 1673 she accepted Ralph Montagu (thus becoming Countess of Montagu) as her husband. The union was rocky but they produced three sons and a daughter for the Montagu fortune and remained married until Elizabeth's death in 1690.
The Countess was among Lely's most assiduous patrons and sat for him a number of times.
(Our thanks to Rita Wierzbicki for her research at the Royal Collection).
SIR PETER LELY (1618 - 1680) was the most important portraitist in the reign of Charles ll. Principal Painter to the King, he painted everyone of importance, maintaining a busy and active Studio to help with the huge demand for his portraits.
Lely’s studio techniques followed the practice of his predecessor as the dominant portraitist of the age, Sir Anthony Van Dyke. Portraits of prominent subjects of their day, especially Royal and court sitters, were in much demand. Lely’s many talented studio assistants, among them John Greenhill and Prosper Henry Lankrink, were occupied in making highly accomplished copies as seen here, working under the scrutiny of Lely himself.
Provenance
Sussex Private Collection for many years.
Current Condition
Excellent; relined and restretchered.
Price
gbp 11500.00 (Pound Sterling)
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