Engraver
Wenceslaus Hollar
, Czech, 1607-1677
After
Anthony van Dyck
, Flemish, 1599-1641
Title
Portrait of Mary Villiers, Duchess of Richmond and LennoxDatec.1646
MediumEtching
Dimensions
Sheet: 26.2 x 19.4 cm
Plate: 25.9 x 19.1 cm
Credit LinePresented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014
Object numberNGI.2014.38
DescriptionMary Villiers, goddaughter of James I, remained close to the royal family throughout her life. On his execution in 1649, Charles I gave her his father’s watch which she had played with as a child. Known for her beauty, Mary was the subject of numerous portraits during her lifetime. It is probable that Charles I commissioned the original portrait on which this etching was based.Inscriptionlower centre: ILLVSTRISS: ma D; na DOMI .na; ELISABETHA VILLIERS DVCESSA DE LENOX ET RICH-/MOND, etc: FILIA GEORGIJ VILLIERS DVCIS ET COMITIS BVCKINGHAMIAE [AE in ligature]
lower left: Ant: van dyck pinxit
lower centre: W: Hollar fecit
lower right: […]Antuerpiae [ae in ligature]