| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | James McArdell after Sir Peter Lely |
| Published | Sold by Jas. M.c Ardell at the Golden-head, Covent Garden. c.1750 |
| Dimensions | Image 312 x 246 mm, Plate 349 x 248 mm, Sheet 358 x 258 mm |
| Notes |
Eleanor Gwynn (1650-1687) was an actress and mistress of King Charles II. The love affair between the King and Gwyn allegedly began in April of 1668. She continued to act at the King's House, her new notoriety drawing larger crowds and encouraging the playwrights to craft more roles specifically for her. June 1668 found her in Dryden's An Evening's Love, or The Mock Astrologer, and in July she played in Lacy's The Old Troop. James McArdell (c.1728-1765) was a mezzotint engraver; famous for his prints after paintings by Reynolds, who said of him: 'by this man i shall be immortalised'. Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) was a portrait painter and Principal Painter to Charles II. Born of Dutch parents, he trained in Haarlem; came to London in the 1640s and quickly established a reputation as a portraitist. Chaloner Smith 191, Goodwin - McArdell 126, Lennox-Boyd ii/ii Ex. Col.: Hon Christopher Lennox-Boyd Condition: Strong, clean impression. Thread margins on all sides. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £300.00 |
| Stock ID | 26791 |