Possibly Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort, KG, PC (c.1629-1699), in Garter Robes
attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1672 - 1689
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1219 x 1003 mm (48 x 39 ½ in)
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180914
Caption
Henry Somerset was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1654 and 1667. He was installed as a Knight of the Garter on 29 May 1672, and is shown in this portrait wearing the robes of this order. The Dukedom of Beaufort was bestowed upon him ten years later by King Charles II, in 1682. His sister, Elizabeth, married William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis. In his official role as Lord President of Wales, Henry visited Powis Castle on a state visit in 1684.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Possibly Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort, KG, PC (c.1629-1699), in Garter Robes, Lord President of Wales 1672-89, attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691). A three-quarter-length portrait with flowing hair, wearing robes of the Kinght of the Garter and a lace cravat, his right hand on his hip, a curtain behind. Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort was the brother of Elizabeth Somerset, wife of the 1st Marquess of Powis. He visited Powis Castle in 1684 as part of his duty a Lord President of Wales.
Provenance
Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963
Makers and roles
attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691), artist possibly François de Troy (Toulouse 1645 - Paris 1730), artist