Mary Capel (1630–1715), Later Duchess of Beaufort, and Her Sister Elizabeth (1633–1678), Countess of Carnarvon 1652 - 1662

Sir Peter Lely's 1652–62 double portrait of Mary Capel and Elizabeth Capel, later Duchess of Beaufort and Countess of Carnarvon, is a quintessential example of the artist's refined style. Both women are depicted in opulent attire, their poses and expressions conveying the grace and refinement of the English aristocracy. Mary, on the left, holds a sprig of flowers, while Elizabeth gestures towards a small painting, suggesting the leisurely pursuits of the wealthy. The work's elegant composition and the rich detail of the women's garments highlight the artistic influence of the Venetian Renaissance on Lely, a key figure in the development of English portraiture.