Portrait of Elizabeth Wriothesley, Lady Percy, later Countess of Northumberland c.1665; Studio of Lely

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Description: UK PRICE 11500 GBP. Oil on canvas in 17th c. carved and giltwood frame. This superb painting of Elizabeth Wriothesley is a studio half length version of the three quarter length Lely painted for the Duke and Duchess of York in 1665, and which now hangs in Hampton Court Palace as part of the famous 'Beauties' collection. ELIZABETH WRIOTHESLEY (1645/6-1690), the daughter of the Earl of Southampton, inherited a great fortune when her first husband, Joceline Percy, Earl of Northumberland died in 1670. She had great political power and wealth (both her own family and that of her first husband were among the richest and most influential at court). It was said that Elizabeth would have liked to marry James, Duke of York, but in 1673 she accepted Ralph Montagu as her husband. The union was rocky but they produced an heir for the Montagu fortune and remained married until Elizabeth's death in 1690. The Countess was among Lely's most assiduous patrons and sat for him a number of times. By the standards of the time Elizabeth Wriothesley was considered a great beauty. To quote from 'The Weaker Vessel' by Antonia Fraser ..."-'a beautiful lady indeed', wrote Pepys, goggling at her in Court in 1667- (she) was seldom mentioned without some allusion to her celebrated looks. Certainly Lely's portrait of her among the Hampton Court Beauties shows an angelic blonde docility; an impression borne out by the blameless quality of her personal life." (Our thanks to Rita Wierzbicki for her research at the Royal Collection). SIR PETER LELY (1618 - 1680) was the most important portraitist in the reign of Charles ll. Principal Painter to the King, he painted everyone of importance, maintaining a busy and active Studio to help with the huge demand for his portraits. SIZE: 37.5 x 32.5 inches inc. frame PROVENANCE: Sussex Private Collection for many years.

Status: No Longer Available	Reference#: 8496
Condition: Excellent	Year: c.1665

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