King Charles II (1630-85) Reigned 1660-85

Sir Peter, (after) Lely

Oil on canvas

c.1675

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Image of King Charles II (1630-85) Reigned 1660-85
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Royal Hospital, Chelsea (long-term loans)


  • About the artist
    Peter Lely was born in Westphalia in Germany. He studied in Haarlem under Pieter de Grebber, becoming a Master of the Haarlem Guild in 1637. He relocated to England in 1641, where he succeeded Sir Antony Van Dyck as Principal Painter to Charles II. Lely presided over a large studio and employed several assistants. He frequently painted only the head of the sitter himself, before passing the work to an assistant to complete. The work of his assistants is often mistakenly attributed to Lely himself. He was knighted in 1680, shortly before his death that year. At the time of his death, over 100 canvases remained in his studio, many copies executed by assistants. His assistants also produced independent work in the style of their master.
  • Explore
    People
    Charles II (1630 - 1685)
    Places
    Subjects
    royal portrait, moustache, man, armour, wig, collar, King
    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting, feigned oval
  • Details
    Artist
    Sir Peter, (after) Lely
    Title
    King Charles II (1630-85) Reigned 1660-85
    Date
    c.1675
    Medium
    Oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    height: 76.20 cm, width: 63.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Appleby Bros, May 1951
    GAC number
    1293