Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The British Palladian or 'Kent' frame, with its distinctive outset corners, is called after the architect and designer William Kent (1685-1748); he derived it from the late Mannerist work of Michelangelo, interpreted by Palladio and Inigo Jones.
The painting and its frame were completely integrated with the overall setting. The 'Kent' frame was decorated with strong classical mouldings, such as egg-&-dart, ribbon-&-stave and Greek fret.
This beautiful portrait is an 18th century head and shoulders version of the large three quarter length painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller for Queen Mary's collection, the Hampton Court Beauties.
LADY DIANA DE VERE, DUCHESS OF ST. ALBANS (c.1679-1742) was the daughter of Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford and Diana Kirke. She married Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St. Albans, illegitimate son of Charles II, King of Great Britain and his mistress the actress Nell Gwyn, on 17 April 1694.
The union produced twelve children.
She was Mistress of the Robes to Caroline, Princess of Wales from 1714 to 1717. She was one of the Hampton Court Beauties of Mary II of England.
SIR GODFREY KNELLER (1646-1723) was the most distinguished painter of baroque portraits in England.
Born in Lubeck, he trained with Bol and Rembrandt, coming to London in 1676.
By 1679 he had painted the King and remained the most famous and successful portrait painter in England until his death.
In 1688 he was made Principal Painter to the King and was knighted in 1692 and a made a baronet in 1715.
SIZE:32.75 x 28 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Old Nottinghamshire Private Collection.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of Lady Diana De Vere, Later Duchess of St. Albans; After Kneller, 18th Century.
