Oil Portrait of King Charles II in Armour With the Order of the Garter English School, Circa 1850, After Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680)

Details

Description

Oil Portrait of King Charles II in Armour with the Order of the Garter
English School, circa 1850, after Sir … Read more Oil Portrait of King Charles II in Armour with the Order of the Garter
English School, circa 1850, after Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680)
A refined 19th-century oil portrait capturing King Charles II in the enduring style of Sir Peter Lely, court painter to the Restoration monarch. This work reflects the Victorian revival of Old Master portraiture, reinterpreting one of the most recognisable royal image types for 19th-century collectors and interiors.
Description
Presented in a classic three-quarter pose, Charles II is depicted wearing armour and a full periwig, with a white cravat and insignia associated with the Order of the Garter—Britain’s highest order of chivalry. His composed expression and outward gaze convey authority and restraint, hallmarks of idealised royal portraiture.
The composition draws heavily on Lely’s established court style, with a subdued, tonal palette of deep browns and blacks offset by luminous flesh tones and crisp highlights across the armour. The painting demonstrates soft facial modelling and broader, economical brushwork elsewhere, consistent with 19th-century reinterpretations of 17th-century originals.
Historical Context
Works of this kind were highly sought after during the Victorian period, when there was renewed interest in Britain’s royal and cultural heritage. This painting preserves the visual language of the Restoration court while aligning with mid-19th-century collecting tastes.
About the Sitter
King Charles II (1630–1685), restored to the throne in 1660 following years of exile, presided over a vibrant court and renewed patronage of the arts. As Sovereign of the Order of the Garter, he symbolised continuity of monarchy and tradition after the upheaval of the Civil War.
Attribution
After Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680), whose portrait types defined royal imagery in late 17th-century England.
Unsigned, as typical for works of this period and type.
Dimensions
Canvas: 62 cm (H) × 52 cm (W)
Framed: 71.5 cm (H) × 61 cm (W) × 2 cm (D)
Frame
Housed in its original frame, later overpainted in gold. Shows age-related wear beneath the surface but remains structurally sound and presents well.
Provenance
Private Collection of Christopher & Susan Kevill-Davies (UK), inventory label verso (no. 139)
UK art trade
Woolley & Wallis, Salisbury – Old Masters Sale, 2026
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Previously loaned to the “Famous Lord Hill Museum,” Shropshire

Why It Works
Classic English royal portrait with strong decorative appeal
After Sir Peter Lely—iconic Restoration portrait style
Authentic 19th-century interpretation of a 17th-century masterpiece
Rich tonal depth ideal for traditional and period interiors
Documented provenance from a named UK private collection
A timeless and recognisable image of British monarchy—ideal for collectors of historical portraiture, Old Master style works, or classic English interiors. See less