William Lowndes (1652-1724) politician and treasury official; Secretary to the Treasury

Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723)

Oil on canvas (feigned oval)

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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Government Art Collection


  • About the artist
    Godfrey Kneller was born in Lübeck, Germany. He moved to Amsterdam in 1662 to study painting under Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol. He later trained with Gianlorenzo Bernini and Carlo Maratta in Rome. He returned to Lübeck in 1675, before moving to Hamburg and then to London to study the works of van Dyck. In England he received commissions from prominent figures, including Charles II. Charles sent Kneller to France in 1684, to paint the portrait of Louis XIV. Kneller maintained his position at court after the accession of James II in 1685 and, when William and Mary came to the throne, he and portraitist John Riley became joint Principal Painters to the Crown. Following Riley’s death, Kneller alone retained the position. He was 77 when he died.
  • Explore
    People
    William Lowndes (1652 - 1724)
    Places
    Subjects
    male portrait, man, 18th century costume, wig, Member of Parliament, Secretary to the Treasury
    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting, feigned oval
  • Details
    Artist
    Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723)
    Title
    William Lowndes (1652-1724) politician and treasury official; Secretary to the Treasury
    Date
    Medium
    Oil on canvas (feigned oval)
    Dimensions
    height: 73.50 cm, width: 61.50 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Charles Newman, 30 July 1925
    Inscription
    signed
    GAC number
    0/224