Portrait of Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby, 17th Century; Follower of Anton (Anthony) Van Dyck (1599-1641)

This portrait depicts the courageous Charlotte Stanley (born de La Trémoille), the Countess of Derby (1599–1664) who was a legendary figure during the English Civil War. Her father was Claude de la Trémoille, Duke of Thouars (France) and her grandfather was William I, Prince of Orange. Her mother came to England in 1625 as part of the Royal household of Queen Henrietta Maria, Charles I's queen. During this visit she arranged a marriage between Charlotte and James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby. The marriage took place in 1626 and for 16 years she lived quietly with her husband at Knowsley or Lathom House giving birth to nine children. Her husband fought during the civil war and was eventually captured in 1651 and beheaded. When Lathom House was the last remaining Royalist stronghold in Lancashire, the Countess who was in charge of its defense, she gallantly held out without surrender famously declaring that she and her children would perish in the flames rather than yield. Eventually she moved to Knowsley, where she died. For some historians, the fall of the famous royalist house marked an important event for the Parliamentary cause and an order was issued by the House of Commons "for the ministers about London to give public thanks to God, on the next Lord's Day, for its surrender". After the Restoration the property was returned to the Derby family.

In a period frame carved with foilage and flowers.

Provenance: John Newington-Hughes, Winchester;

His sale, London, Christie's, 14 April 1848, lot 163

John Newington Hughes (1776-1847) was an antiquary from Kent England and twice mayor of Maidstone. He formed a collection of pictures over 60 years which included 16 portraits of sitters from the time of Charles I, referred to as the “The Fairfax Portraits”, some of which were previously in the collection at Leeds Castle. After his death the collection was sold at Christies London 14th April 1848.

Measurements: Height 91cm, Width 78cm framed (Height 35.75”, Width 30.75”)

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