A superb and historically important portrait miniature of the gorgeous Barbara Villiers (1640-1709) It is painted on vellum and set in a gilt metal locket frame, with spiral cresting.
Dimensions: Oval 3 1/8" high
Price Guide: H
Item Referance: 38
Additional Information: A truly fabulous miniature portrait, of Barbara Palmer 1st. Duchess of Cleveland. She was the most notorious of the mistresses of King Charles 1st. of England, by whom she had five children, all of whom he acknowledged and enobled. Her portrait was painted many times in particular by court painter, Sir Peter Lely. Born in London, she was the only child of 2nd Viscount Grandison, William Villiers and his wife Mary, heiress of 1st. Viscount Bayning. On the death of her father, the family became impoversished. She was tall, voluptuous and had masses of auburn hair, slanted violet-blue eyes and a sensuous mouth, she was considered the most lovely of the Royalist ladies. In 1659 she married Roger Palmer, later 1st. Earl of Castlemaine, against his family�s wishes. They separated in 1662 after the birth of a son, but stayed married for Roger�s lifetime, although it is believed that he did not father any of her children. In 1660 Barbara had become the King�s mistress, while he was in exile at the Hague. As a reward for her �services� the King created her husband Baron Limerick and Earl of Castlemaine. By 1662 Barbara had more influence at court than the Queen consort, Catherine of Braganza. She was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber against the Queen�s wishes and the two feuded constantly. Her relationship with the king fluctuated. She converted to Catholicism and was granted many titles by the King although no one was sure if she still held his attention. She was very promiscuous and enjoyed life while also meddling in politics and helping herself from the privy purse. The King took other mistresses and she had other affaires, eventually loosing her position at court and being cast aside for the new royal mistress, Louise de Kerroualle. On her husband�s death she married Major-General Robert �Beau� Fielding, an unscrupulous fortune-hunter whom she later had prosecuted for bigamy. She died aged 68. She had many noteable descendants including Diana Princess of Wales and Sir Anthony Eden. Provenance: Family descent from Robert 2nd Earl Sunderland ( Daphne Foskett) Exhibited: (lent by Earl Spencer) Burlington Fine Arts Club 1889. London Royal Academy 1960-1. London National Portrait Gallery 1974. |
