These fine works of a gentleman and a lady are representative of the archetypal English portrait. In the late 17th century England’s upper classes entered a new era of prosperity. No longer the preserve of royalty, commissioned portraits - of oneself or one’s ancestors - became a coveted symbol of wealth and status. As such portraiture in England developed a distinctive ‘Englishness’ which was a break away from the traditional and dominant schools in France and Italy. These portraits are good examples of this restrained but yet engaging portrait style.The gentleman has been elegantly portrayed with a scarlet mantle, the colour of distinction, and an immensely expensive wig; the flamboyance and penetrating sense of character seems almost eclipsed by the skilful handling of paint through the face and the full-bottomed periwig. It is without doubt that the subjects are husband and wife – and the portraits were probably commissioned to celebrate their betrothal.Held in the rema...