Study for a Portrait of a Woman 1670s

Sir Peter Lely painted this oil on canvas, "Study for a Portrait of a Woman," in England during the second half of the 17th century. The artwork provides insight into the cultural and social context of the English Restoration period, a time when the monarchy had been restored after a period of Puritan rule, which influenced artistic styles and themes. Lely was the most important portraitist in England during that time, and was patronized by the Royal family. The sensuality and opulence of the sitter’s appearance, are representative of the values upheld at court. The identity of the sitter isn't known, but portraits like this one were a social currency of the court. Who was she, and how did the artwork function to represent her? To better understand the artwork, you can look into the history of portraiture and artistic patronage in England during the Restoration era. Historical records, letters, and institutional archives, can all provide valuable insights into the artwork’s meaning.