Portrait of King Charles II of England
Painting on canvas • Circle of Sir Peter Lely or John Riley; likely a contemporary studio copy or a period provincial follower.
Style & Movement
Baroque / Stuart Portraiture
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; employs traditional portraiture techniques of the Stuart period including glazing in the flesh tones and fine brushwork for the lace cravat and Order of the Garter chain.
Creation Period
Late 17th Century, likely circa 1670-1685
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 25 inches (standard kit-cat size); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of King Charles II (1630–1685) depicted with his characteristic dark periwig, pencil moustache, and wearing a lace cravat with the collar and 'Great George' of the Order of the Garter. The composition is standard for royal propaganda of the Restoration period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the painting shows significant signs of age and previous restoration attempts.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; the style and subject suggests a British private collection or a minor country house provenance. No visible labels are present in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 17th-century royal portraiture used to disseminate the king's image throughout England during the Restoration. While likely a period copy rather than an autograph Lely, it reflects the high demand for royal likenesses following the Interregnum.
Notable Features
The detailed rendering of the lace cravat and the specific iconography of the Order of the Garter chain are hallmarks of Stuart courtly representation.
Condition Issues
Notable paint loss/flaking in the lower-left corner; visible craquelure throughout; surface grime and yellowed varnish; possible overpainting and flattening likely due to an old relining process; minor scuffs in the background.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning and varnish removal; stabilization of flaking paint; minor infilling and retouching of losses; climate-controlled environment (50% humidity, 70°F).