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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

17th Century English School Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady, Oil on Oak Panel
An elegant seventeenth-century English School oil on its original oak panel depicting an aristocratic lady, traditionally identified as Elizabeth Cavendish (née Cecil), Countess of Devonshire (1620–1689). Painted in the manner of Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680), this refined cabinet portrait possesses the timeless elegance associated with England's finest court portraiture.
The sitter is shown in a graceful three-quarter pose wearing a sumptuous cobalt-blue silk mantle secured with an ornate jewelled clasp. A necklace of luminous pearls and matching earrings beautifully complement her composed expression, conveying the refinement and status of the English aristocracy during the seventeenth century.
Executed with delicate translucent glazes, the portrait displays a luminous complexion and finely modelled facial features. Soft chestnut ringlets frame expressive almond-shaped hazel eyes, while the restrained palette of warm flesh tones, rich cobalt blue and ivory pearls creates a wonderfully harmonious composition. The elegant handling of light and colour reflects the influence of Sir Peter Lely and the sophisticated artistic traditions of the Restoration period.
The sitter is traditionally identified as Elizabeth Cavendish, daughter of William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury, and wife of William Cavendish, 3rd Earl of Devonshire. While this identification is based upon traditional attribution rather than documentary evidence, the sitter's apparent age, costume and aristocratic presentation are broadly consistent with contemporary representations.
Cabinet portraits such as this were commissioned by noble families to commemorate lineage and marriage, often displayed within country houses and private collections. Today they are highly sought after for their historical importance, decorative appeal and ability to add character to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Offered as the work of an accomplished English School artist working in the manner of Sir Peter Lely, the portrait combines graceful composition, refined colour harmonies and impressive decorative presence.
Unsigned, as is customary with many seventeenth-century cabinet portraits.
Dimensions:
Panel: 38 cm high × 28.5 cm wide.
Framed: 51 cm high × 42 cm wide × 5.5 cm deep.
Presented in an attractive carved and gilded frame that complements the painting beautifully and is ready to hang.
Provenance:
Private Scottish Collection.
Lindsay Burns & Company, Perth, Scotland, Lot 735, catalogued as "Manner of Peter Lely – Half-Length Portrait of a Lady."
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Privately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.
Condition:
Presented in good antique condition commensurate with age. The original oak panel remains structurally sound with naturally developed craquelure. Historic varnish layers, areas of sympathetic overpainting, light paint losses and minor surface dirt are consistent with its age. Colours remain vibrant, particularly within the striking cobalt-blue drapery. The later carved gilt frame displays age-related wear and historic repairs, adding to its period character.
Professionally packaged and fully insured for worldwide delivery by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

• Period: 17th century
• • Price: £9,500.00
  • €11,133 Euro
  • $12,702 US Dollar
• Location: London
• • Dimensions: H: 51cm (20.08in)
  • W: 42cm (16.54in)
  • D: 5.5cm (2.17in)