Walk Through British Art: 1650
Free entry- Artist
- Sir Peter Lely 1618–1680
- Medium
- Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions
- Support: 1234 x 1000 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Purchased 1955
- Reference
- T00070
Display caption
Elizabeth Jones, eldest daughter of the 1st Earl of Ranelagh, was one of the great beauties of the Restoration court. The orange blossom that she holds, and the cupids on the pot to the left, may refer to her readiness to marry. However, in the late 1670s, when it is thought this painting was made, she was rumoured to be mistress to Charles II. She was not to marry the Earl of Kildare until 1684. Citrus fruits were a rare and expensive food, the plants cultivated by only the wealthiest households.
Gallery label, February 2016
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Features
Elizabeth, Countess of Kildare c.1679: By Sir Peter Lely
Read technical information about this painting resulting from examination and scientific analysis by conservators and conservation scientists at Tate
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