Charles II's mistress in painting identified again
A painting of a naked, reclining woman, long described as being Nell Gwyn, the mistress of Charles II, is now thought to depict the King’s earlier mistress, Barbara Villiers, famed as a great beauty at court.
Considered to be a masterpiece by Peter Lely [1618-1680], official artist to Charles II, the painting is believed to have been concealed behind a secret sliding panel for the monarch’s private enjoyment in the royal bedchamber at the Palace of Whitehall...
Research undertaken by Christie’s, which will be auctioning the painting with an estimate of £2 million on July 5 -– has thrown new light on the sitter...
[Story includes photo of painting.]
Read entire article at Times (of London)
Considered to be a masterpiece by Peter Lely [1618-1680], official artist to Charles II, the painting is believed to have been concealed behind a secret sliding panel for the monarch’s private enjoyment in the royal bedchamber at the Palace of Whitehall...
Research undertaken by Christie’s, which will be auctioning the painting with an estimate of £2 million on July 5 -– has thrown new light on the sitter...
[Story includes photo of painting.]