Portrait of a Lady C.1690; Circle of Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

This captivating work is an accomplished example of the type of portrait in vogue in Britain during the last quarter of the 17th century and first quarter of the 18th. Painted circa 1690 the lady is wearing an ochre dress and an azure mantle, with wide abundant sleeves gathered together by a large jewelled clasp. Her fashionable long hair falls along her neck and down her shoulder, and is intertwined with strings of pearls. This artist has captured the beauty of this sophisticated lady. With the rich colouring and lyrical characterisation, this young sitter represents an exceptionally appealing example of the last phase of English baroque portraiture. A feature of this portrait is the almost pristine survival of its finely carved and gilded antique frame and is exemplary when viewed in person.

Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) was born in Germany but trained in Amsterdam and studied in Italy before moving to England in 1676. Towards the end of the century, after the deaths of Peter Lely and John Riley, Kneller became the leading portrait painter in Britain and the court painter to English and British monarchs from Charles II to George I. He dominated English art for more than thirty years. His over 40 "Kit-cat portraits" and the ten "beauties" of the court of William III are most noteworthy.

Provenance: Private collection Scotland

Measurements: Height 99cm, Width 85cm framed (Height 39”, Width 33.5” framed)

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