Early British Pictures

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Lot 30
  • 30

Circle of Sir Peter Lely 1618-1680

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Description

  • Sir Peter Lely
  • Portrait of Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine and Duchess of Cleveland
  • erroneously inscribed u.l.:Ladie Helene Gwynne
  • oil on canvas, in a carved wood frame
head and shoulders, wearing a gold dress

Catalogue Note

Although once identified as Nell Gwyn this portrait clearly derives from the portrait of Barbara Villiers by Lely, which is now known only from versions.  The best version hangs in the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Barbara Villiers was the leading mistress of Charles II from 1660-68.  She bore the king a number of children, and was made Duchess of Cleveland in her own right in 1670.