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Notes
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Mary (Maria Beatrice) of Modena was the second wife of James, Duke of York, later James II. As an Italian Catholic and the daughter of Alfonso d’Este IV, Duke of Modena, the marriage was deeply unpopular in the largely Protestant England. This portrait was completed around the time of the marriage in September 1673 and is undoubtedly the finest example of Peter Lely’s work in The Suffolk Collection. Despite his extensive use of studio assistants in this period, this portrait appears to be almost entirely in Lely’s hand. Like much of his work, the portrait shows the influence of Sir Anthony van Dyck, in this case, his portrait of Lady Dorothy Sidney, Lady Spencer, Countess of Sunderland (Petworth, NT). The format of this portrait suggests the romanticised ‘undress’ worn by many of Lely’s female subjects; however, Mary is clearly wearing stays under her gown, possibly as a concession to propriety essential for a member of the royal family.
Both Suffolk and Berkshire branches of the Howard family were prominent at the Restoration court, with several members holding honoured positions in the households of king, queen and Duke of York.
Title
Mary of Modena (1658–1718)
Date
c.1673–1674
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 142 x W 119 cm
Accession number
88019189
Acquisition method
gift from Mrs Greville Howard, 1974
Work type
Painting
English Heritage, Kenwood
Hampstead Lane, London, Greater London NW3 7JR England
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