"King William III", (1650-1702), he reigned 1689-1702. This is an un-signed 19th century studio interpretation, oil on canvas over keyed stretcher, canvas apprx 18-1/2" x 15-1/4". Overall with frame apprx 27" x 23-1/2". The original portrait, which this copy is based, was painted by Lely and depicts William in armor as a military commander with a spaniel, a symbol of loyalty, by his side. In 1688 William accepted an invitation by a group of leading statesmen to land in Britain with a armed forces in order to preserve Protestant liberties. A year later, after the flight of James II, he and his wife Mary accepted the crown of king and queen. Portrait painter and Principal Painter to Charles II, Lely was born of Dutch parents and trained in Haarlem. He arrived in London in the 1640's and quickly established a reputation as a portraitist. Lely was appointed Principal Painter at the Restoration and knighted in 1680 He was a prolific painter and was one of the most fashionable painters of his time.
1,500/3,000
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