Dominus Gulielmus Temple

1641–1680 · Lieu de travail

London

after 1660

A large workshop and mezzotint prints

Demand was high and Lely’s large workshop was prolific: after Lely painted a sitter’s head, his pupils would often complete the portrait in one of a series of numbered poses. Realising that the mezzotint could publicise his portraits, he encouraged Dutch mezzotinters to come to Britain to copy his work, laying the foundations of the English mezzotint tradition.

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 novembre 1680

Died