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

Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) Portrait of an 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) article code 2240998, attributed to Godfrey Kneller https://rkd.nl/imageslite/2240998 FULL WORK DETAILS (click HERE) This magnificent portrait, of exquisite workmanship and in excellent condition, depicts an elegant aristocratic woman wearing a shimmering ivory silk dress and wrapped in an elegantly draped mauve cloak that encircles her figure, invading the surrounding space, 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 self-assurance of the depicted subject. This is undoubtedly a valuable work, attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 – London 1723) and published with this reference in the catalog in the RKD archive: it would 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 (future King of England) and his wife Anne Villiers. In 1692, Lady Mary first married Lieutenant General Algernon Capel (1670-1710), 2nd Earl of Essex, and the couple had three children. A very beautiful woman, Mary became one of the eight "Beauties" of Hampton Court, a series of portraits commissioned from Sir Godfrey Kneller by Queen Mary II featuring the eight most charming ladies of her court, to furnish the palace rooms. 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 image was highly sought after and several paintings were made of them. In our work, in particular, her figure emerges from a shadowed architectural background, illuminated by a light that enhances her complexion and her sumptuous dress, characterized by a low-cut bodice and wide sleeves finished with delicate lace. Her pose is relaxed, she sits self-assuredly while gracefully indicating a rose with one hand, a flower often included in Sir Godfrey Kneller's portraits with various symbolic meanings depending on the subject depicted: if placed next to a young woman, it could indicate that the painting was commissioned around the time of her wedding celebration, symbolizing love and fertility. This type of portrait was typically requested by the English nobility between the 17th and 18th centuries, where even the most aristocratic depicted subjects liked to be portrayed without their adornments, without pompous clothing, fashionable accessories, or elaborate hairstyles. This was to show that their status and worth were innate qualities, and did not solely depend on material wealth displayed with opulence. We provide below the link to the digital collection of the RKD archive, with our published work and other works by Kneller of a similar subject, 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 of the English court and is considered, along with Peter Lely and Willem Wissing, among the masters of English portraiture in the 17th and 18th 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 exhibited in royal palaces, were admired and so appreciated by the public that a large number of patrons, mainly nobles, desired that his workshop take care of 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 handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be pleased to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/