Damenportrait mit blauem Hut

1640s

Takes Van Dyck’s place at court

Anthony van Dyck, court painter to Charles I, died in 1641, and Lely succeeded him as the most fashionable portrait artist in England. In the service of Lord Northumberland he copied some of Van Dyck’s paintings.

1641–1680 · Lugar de trabajo

London

1649–1660

Serves the Cromwells after the execution of Charles I

The execution of the king in 1649 did not interrupt his career: Lely served Oliver Cromwell, whom he painted “warts and all”, and Richard Cromwell.

1656 · Lugar de trabajo

Amsterdam

1679

Knighted by Charles II

Charles II knighted the painter (other accounts give 1680). Soon afterwards Lely died at his easel in Covent Garden while painting a portrait of the Duchess of Somerset; it is believed he likely died after a stroke.

30 de noviembre de 1680

Died