Decorative Collective - www.decorativecollective.com

Sellers's Details

CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

Tel:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/cheshire-antiques-consultant-ltd

Item Details

Monumental 17th Century English Baroque Portrait – Circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller
A striking and highly decorative 17th century English Baroque oil painting on canvas depicting a young aristocratic lady traditionally identified as Elizabeth, Countess of Westmorland (1648–1667).
Attributed to the Circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646–1723), Principal Painter to the Crown, this large-scale Old Master portrait captures the elegance, refinement and quiet authority associated with Restoration England.
While documentary evidence confirming the sitter has not survived, this traditional identification has accompanied the work in prior market references.
A Grand English Old Master with Presence
This is a true statement piece. The sitter is shown three-quarter length in a commanding vertical format, a classic composition in late 17th century English portraiture.
Her luminous golden silk gown is beautifully rendered in sweeping folds of amber and ochre tones, painted with layered glazing to convey depth and richness. The white lace cuffs and chemise sleeves offer crisp contrast against the warmth of the drapery.
The flesh tones are softly modelled in the refined manner associated with Kneller’s female portrait type, giving the face a porcelain smoothness and composed elegance.
Behind her, a romanticised river landscape beneath a warm sunset sky provides atmosphere and depth — a hallmark of English Baroque aristocratic portrait painting and a wonderful decorative backdrop.
Historical Context
If the traditional identification is correct, the sitter lived during the Restoration period following the return of the monarchy in 1660. Portraiture at this time was central to expressing lineage, stability and social standing.
Elizabeth, Countess of Westmorland is recorded as having died at approximately nineteen years of age. Idealised portraits were often commissioned in the 17th century to preserve youth and family legacy, and the serene, composed character of this painting aligns beautifully with that tradition.
Large portraits of this scale would originally have hung in the principal rooms of English country houses, forming part of dynastic family displays.
Circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller
This painting is attributed to the Circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, meaning it was executed by a contemporary artist working within Kneller’s stylistic influence.
Kneller dominated English portraiture in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, serving as Principal Painter to the Crown. His studio established the visual standard for aristocratic portrait painting in England.
Works from his circle retain the elegance, balance and decorative authority that define English Baroque art of the period.
Frame
Presented in a richly ornamented gilt wood frame with scrolling foliate decoration. The gilded frame complements the golden tones of the costume and enhances the painting’s architectural presence.
Dimensions (Framed)
Height: 143.2 cm
Width: 118 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
A substantial, museum-scale antique oil painting ideal for a country house, townhouse, gallery wall or dramatic contemporary interior.
Provenance
Private Collection, United Kingdom.
With Shane Higgs, Fine Art & Antiques Valuer, The Auction Room London (label verso), September 2022.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Subsequently offered through Jasper52, October 2024 (recorded on Lot-Art).
Remnants of an earlier gallery or auction label remain on the reverse.
The traditional identification of the sitter remains unconfirmed by documentary evidence.
Condition
In good antique condition consistent with 17th century age.
The canvas has been professionally relined. Age-appropriate craquelure present with areas of foxing. Minor paint loss and historic retouching visible. Surface revarnished.
The gilt frame shows expected wear, including small chips and cracking. New frame nails secure the canvas. Japanese Sekisui brown framing tape applied neatly to the reverse. Two large bracket mounting hooks fitted for secure hanging.
Decorative Appeal
This is an exceptional decorative English Old Master portrait with strong architectural presence. The scale, warmth of colour and aristocratic subject matter make it ideal for traditional interiors, period properties, libraries, hallways or as a dramatic contrast within a contemporary space.
Large 17th century English Baroque portraits of this quality and size are increasingly scarce on the open market.
Worldwide shipping available. Please enquire for further details or additional photographs.

• Period: 17th century
• • Price: £15,000.00
  • €17,159 Euro
  • $20,219 US Dollar
• Location: London
• • Dimensions: H: 143.2cm (56.38in)
  • W: 118cm (46.46in)
  • D: 6.5cm (2.56in)