Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723), Portrait of the English noblewoman

Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723)

Portrait of the English noblewoman, presumably Mary Capel, Countess of Essex (1679–1726)

Oil on canvas (128 x 104 cm. – In frame 146 x 121 cm.)

Work published in the RDK archive (Netherlands Institute for Art History) item code 2240998, attributed to Godfrey Kneller
https://rkd.nl/imageslite/2240998

FULL DETAILS OF THE WORK (click HERE)

This magnificent portrait, exquisitely crafted and in excellent condition, depicts an elegant aristocratic woman wearing an ivory-colored silk dress and an elegantly draped mauve cloak that envelops her figure, filling the surrounding space and lending depth and opulence to the composition.

With her hair gathered in a soft hairstyle and a direct, serene gaze directed at the viewer, the portrait captures all the aristocratic grace and sense of confidence of the sitter.

This is undoubtedly a valuable work, attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) and published with this reference in the catalogue in the RKD archive: it is believed to be the portrait of Mary Capel, Countess of Essex, daughter of William Bentinck, 1st Earl of Portland, an English nobleman of Dutch origin who soon became the favorite of William, Prince of Orange (the future King of England) and his wife Anne Villiers. In 1692, Lady Mary married Lieutenant General Algernon Capel (1670–1710), 2nd Earl of Essex, and the couple had three children.

A beautiful woman, Mary became one of the eight “Beauties” of Hampton Court, the series of portraits commissioned from Sir Godfrey Kneller by Queen Mary II, featuring the eight most glamorous ladies of her court, to decorate the rooms of the palace.

For this reason the countess must have been a very well-known figure in her time, and the fame of these “Beauties” meant that their images were in great demand and several paintings were made of them.

In our work, in particular, her figure emerges from a dimly lit architectural background, illuminated by a light that enhances her complexion and her sumptuous dress, characterised by a low-cut bodice and wide sleeves finished with delicate lace.

Her pose is casual, she sits confidently while with one hand she gracefully points to a rose, a flower often included in Sir Godfrey Kneller's portraits, taking on different symbolic meanings depending on the subject depicted: if placed next to a young woman, it could indicate that the painting was commissioned close to the celebration of her wedding, symbolizing love and fertility.

This is a type of portrait typically requested by the English nobility between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, where even the most aristocratic women portrayed loved to be portrayed stripped of their trappings, without pompous clothes, fashionable accessories or elaborate hairstyles, this to demonstrate that their status and value were innate elements, and did not depend solely on the material wealth displayed with opulence.

Below we provide the link to the digital collection of the RKD archive, with our published work and other works by Kneller on similar subjects, so that you can easily make an immediate comparison: LINK
https://research.rkd.nl/nl/zoeken?size=n_20_n&filters%5B0%5D%5Bfield%5D=db&filters%5B0%5D%5B…

Godfrey Kneller became the official painter to the English court and is considered, along with Peter Lely and Willem Wissing, among the masters of English portraiture between the 600th and 700th centuries. He painted every reigning British monarch, from King Charles II to King George I, as well as the most important figures in British society and public life. These portraits, publicly displayed in royal palaces, were admired and so appreciated by the public that a large number of patrons, primarily nobles, asked his workshop to paint their family portraits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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