Mary Beale
Portrait of Louise de Kerouaille Duchess of Portsmouth (1649-1734), 1670s
Oil on canvas
18 x 15 in. (45.7 x 38 cm)
Philip Mould & Co.
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com This exquisite jewel-like portrait relates to portraits by Sir Peter Lely of King Chares II's favourite mistresses, remembered by him in...
To view all current artworks for sale visit philipmould.com
This exquisite jewel-like portrait relates to portraits by Sir Peter Lely of King Chares II's favourite mistresses, remembered by him in the famous last words ''Be well to Portsmouth, and let not poor Nelly starve,'' linking her and Nell Gwynn finally as they were joined in constant rivalry during his life. Louise de Kerouaille first encouraged the King's attentions when she was employed as a French spy in the early 1670s but despite this ulterior motive she soon succumbed genuinely to the King's charm and to the bounty of the royal purse.
This exquisite jewel-like portrait relates to portraits by Sir Peter Lely of King Chares II's favourite mistresses, remembered by him in the famous last words ''Be well to Portsmouth, and let not poor Nelly starve,'' linking her and Nell Gwynn finally as they were joined in constant rivalry during his life. Louise de Kerouaille first encouraged the King's attentions when she was employed as a French spy in the early 1670s but despite this ulterior motive she soon succumbed genuinely to the King's charm and to the bounty of the royal purse.