Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) politician, courtier and naval officer

  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Government Art Collection
  • 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.
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  • Details
    Title
    Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) politician, courtier and naval officer
    Date
    Medium
    Engraving
    Dimensions
    height: 22.50 cm, width: 15.50 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased 1947-1948
    GAC number
    421