Agnes Impel, Lady Astley (d.after 1652), in mourning dress
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1640
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
737 x 610 mm (29 x 24 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
NT 1276835
Caption
Agnes Impel was a Dutch heiress from Bloumerckem, who, before 1619, married Sir Jacob Astley (1579 – 1653), 1st Baron Astley of Reading. He was commanding a company in the Anglo-Dutch brigade fighting the Spanish in the Low Countries. She bore him two sons and a daughter. The baronetcy became extinct in 1668 on the death of their grandson, who died without children. She holds what is probably an open prayer-book, which has been inscribed with the date 1640. The enclosed watch she holds is a symbol of mortality. She is clothed in mourning dress, but is not a widow.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Agnes Impel, Lady Astley (d.after 1652), in mourning dress, English School, circa 1640; inscribed at top, in flowing white script: Agnes Imple / Wife of / Jacob Ld. Astley. A half-length portrait, facing forward, dressed in black, with lace collar and cuffs, holding an enclosed watch and wearing jet earrings and a pearl necklace.
Full description
A Dutch heiress from Bloumerckem, who, before 1619, married Sir Jacob Astley (1579 – 1652), 1st Baron Astley of Reading, who was commanding a company in the Anglo-Dutch brigade fighting the Spanish in the Low Countries. She bore him two sons and a daughter. The baronetcy became extinct in 1668 on the death of their grandson, who died without issue. She holds an open prayer-book(?), inscr.: 1640 / cap:11 / [meaningless script]. The enclosed watch she holds is most probably a symbol of mortality. She is clothed in mourning dress, but is not a widow.
Provenance
Private treaty sale from Lord Hastings
Marks and inscriptions
At top: in flowing white script: Agnes Imple / Wife of / Jacob Ld Astley
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist