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      SIR PETER LELY (1618-80)

      Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland (ca 1641-1709)

      c. 1665

      RCIN 404957

      In the guise of the goddess of war, the Duchess wears a plumed helmet and rests one hand on a shield, a spear held in the other. The dramatic costume and stormy skies behind, heighten the sitter’s calm beauty. This is one of a set of ten portraits of the most attractive women at court (‘The Windsor Beauties’).

      Painted for Anne Hyde, Duchess of York (wife of the future James II)


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