Sold...portrait of Elizabeth Pope, Countess of Lindsey C.1695; Circle of Kneller

A good quality and expressively painted portrait thought to be of the Countess of Lindsey in her State robes; the style is very much that of Sir Godfrey Kneller and clearly painted by a talented artist, possibly a member of Kneller's Studio.

The handling of the skin tones in particular is very sensitive.

Although the sitter is depicted in her most formal clothing the artist presents her as a person, not as an icon or symbol.

The face is not a mere mask, but conveys intelligence and a hint of good humour.

ELIZABETH POPE (born c.1640, died 1719) a Catholic and daughter of the 2nd Earl of Downe, had married as her first husband Sir Henry Francis Lee, who died in 1667. Her second husband, whom she married sometime between 1669 and 1671, was Robert Bertie, 3rd Earl of Lindsey; she was his third wife. This marriage marked a significant rise in her status and fortunes. Her new husband was hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain and was made a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the King, and Elizabeth herself was made a Lady of the Bedchamber to the Queen in 1676.

Several years earlier her son by her first husband had been married to Lady Charlotte Fitzroy, illegitimate daughter of Charles II and Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland.

SIR GODFREY KNELLER (1646 - 1723) was the most profound influence on late 17th and 18th c. portraiture. By 1679 he had painted the King and remained the most famous and successful portrait painter in England; in 1688 he was appointed Principal Painter to the King.

His work was so in demand he could not keep up with it alone, so he maintained a busy studio, employing many talented artists as his assistants. Many of this assistants went on to found their own successful studios.

Kneller's influence on portraiture in the 18th century cannot be overestimated as many copied his style....with varying degrees of success.

Oil on canvas in modern giltwood frame.

SIZE: 48 x 39.5 inches inc. frame

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Sussex.

A similar portrait of the Countess, by Kneller, has descended through the Bertie family at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire. This portrait is illustrated p.200 of 'Painted Ladies. Women at the Court of Charles II' published by the National Portrait Gallery, 2001.