Peter Lely Biography

See images to download

Sir Peter Lely
Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) was a prominent portrait painter in seventeenth-century England, whose work and influence shaped the visual culture of the Restoration court. Born Pieter van der Faes in Soest, Westphalia, part of present-day Germany, Lely was of Dutch descent. He initially trained and established his reputation in the Netherlands before moving to England around 1641, just prior to the outbreak of the English Civil War.

Lely’s arrival in England coincided with a period of significant political and social upheaval. Despite the uncertain times, he quickly gained favour among the English aristocracy, benefiting from the departure of Sir Anthony van Dyck, who had previously been the pre-eminent court painter. Lely’s early English works reflect the influence of Van Dyck, both in their elegance and in their composition. However, Lely soon developed his own distinctive style, characterised by a sensuous rendering of flesh and a subtle, flattering approach to his subjects.

During the Commonwealth period, when the monarchy was abolished, Lely managed to maintain his career by painting leading Parliamentarians, including Oliver Cromwell. It is said that Cromwell insisted on being painted “warts and all”, a phrase that has since entered the English lexicon. Lely’s adaptability and discretion allowed him to retain his position as a sought-after portraitist, regardless of the shifting political landscape.

With the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Lely’s career reached its zenith. He was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King, a prestigious position which solidified his status as the foremost artist of the age. Lely’s portraits from this period epitomise the restoration style: opulent, glamorous, and imbued with a certain theatricality. His most famous series is the “Windsor Beauties”, a collection of portraits depicting the most celebrated ladies of Charles II’s court. These works showcase his ability to combine idealised beauty with a lively sense of individuality.

Lely was an astute businessman as well as an artist. He operated a large and efficient studio, employing numerous assistants to help meet the demand for his portraits. This enabled him to produce a significant body of work, much of which survives today in galleries, stately homes, and private collections across Britain. His influence on subsequent generations of portrait painters is considerable, including artists such as Sir Godfrey Kneller who succeeded him as court painter.

Peter Lely died in 1680 at the age of sixty-two, leaving behind a substantial artistic legacy. His portraits remain enduring images of Restoration England, capturing both the personalities and the fashions of a remarkable era. Lely’s synthesis of Dutch artistry and English taste helped shape the development of British portraiture, ensuring his place amongst great European artists.

Images to download

See below to download artwork by Sir Peter Lely. Click on the item for more information.

10 products

Latest Picture Trove Blog Posts

View all
1 3
View all