Louise de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth
Peter Lely, c 1671 - 1674
Oil on canvas, 48" x 40"
The J. Paul Getty Museum,
Los Angeles
Dutch artist Peter Lely was active in England as portrait artist to King Charles I and Principal Painter to the restored monarchy of King Charles II. Influenced by Van Dyck and painters of the Venetian Renaissance, Lely's prolific output includes portraits of langorous court beauties, vigorous military men, and thoughtful intellectuals.

According to poet Alexander Pope, 'Lely on animated Canvas stole/The sleepy Eye, that spoke the melting soul.' In this seductive and elegant portrait of the king's favorite mistress, Lely borrows a classic pose, that of Isaiah from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

In addition to being the most fashionable portrait artist of his day, Lely was a major art collector. He died at his easel in Covent Garden, while painting a portrait of the Duchess of Somerset. [ Detail ]