Description: This is an original oil on canvas portrait of actress Nell Gwyn from the Studio of Sir Peter Lely, painted about 1675. The date was determined by her hairstyle and style of dress. It is in the original carved and gilded wood frame. It measures 23" tall and 20" wide including the frame, and 14" tall and 12" wide inside the frame. It has been relined and there is a light varnish on the surface. I have a letter from Bonham's auction house confirming that the sitter is indeed the actress Nell Gwyn, the most famous mistress of England's King Charles II. There is some small crackalure on the flesh tones but the rest of the painting is very good. The wood frame has some small chips in it and the gilt has flaked off in some areas. I have not had it restored, but it has been relined. This is a stunning painting. Lely has used this pose before with the pillar and sheep, and Nell's costume and pose has also been used before with other sitters in the same period. Since this painting is smaller than the usual portrait sizes, I think it was meant as a more personal gift for someone close to her. The coloring is all original and still as bright as when it was made. I can't imagine how it wound up in the U.S. It is residing with me in the California wine country, but sadly, it must now be sold. I am open to offers, and I will include FREE SHIPPING to the next owner. I am a huge fan of England's Restoration period, and this painting has been the jewel in my collection. If you have any questions, please email me.
Price: 2225 USD
Location: Santa Ynez, California
End Time: 2024-08-15T21:46:58.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Artist: Studio of Peter Lely
Size: Medium
Item Length: 23"
Region of Origin: England
Framing: Framed
Year of Production: 1675
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Item Height: 23"
Style: Realism
Features: One of a Kind (OOAK)
Handmade: Yes
Item Width: 20"
Culture: British
Time Period Produced: Pre-1700
Signed: No
Title: Portrait of Nell Gwyn
Period: Baroque/Roccoco (1600-1770)
Material: Canvas
Certificate of Authenticity (COA): No
Subject: Portrait
Type: Painting
Theme: Portrait
Production Technique: Oil Painting
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
