An Unknown Man, Possibly Thomas Killigrew

1641–1680 · Local de trabalho

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 · Local de trabalho

Amsterdam

1660

The Restoration: Lely at the court of Charles II

With the return of the monarchy Lely became a court painter again: in 1661 Charles II appointed him Principal Painter in Ordinary with a stipend of £200 a year, the same as van Dyck had enjoyed in the previous Stuart reign. After the Restoration his “rather cold Restoration style”, in keeping with the taste of the age, took shape.

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.

1661

Post: Principal Painter in Ordinary