William Wissing (1656-1687) (Studio of) Portrait of Cather...

Hammer

€2,700

William Wissing (1656-1687) (Studio of)

Portrait of Catherine of Braganza c. 1660  O.O.C., 125cms x 100cms (49'' x 39''), in ornate gilt frame. (1)

Provenance: Private Irish Collection.

Wearing large pearl earrings and with her dark hair tied up with loops of pearls, in this three-quarter-length portrait, Catherine of Braganza is dressed sumptuously in a heavily-embroidered dress, with a diagonal belt holding a red fur lined cape on her shoulders. Her cuffs are of white lace and there is a sheet of music in her right hand. The red velvet cape is spread out beside the Queen, and she is portrayed seated, in a relaxed and elegant pose.
Behind her is a heavy curtain with tassels, and in the background can be seen a dramatic evening landscape.

Born in 1638, Catherine of Braganza was the daughter of John, Duke of Braganza, later King of Portugal. A Roman Catholic, she came to England in 1662, to became the Queen of Charles II. Although they were to remain childless, while Charles had several children with his mistresses, the couple did not divorce. Catherine was portrayed by many artists of the time, particularly Jacob Huysmans, who was her favourite portraitist. She was also depicted by Peter Lely and William Wissing. While containing resonances of Huysmans, this three-quarter-length portrait is likely to be from the studio of Wissing, and is clearly by an accomplished hand. In terms of its authorship, another possibility is the Dutch artist Caspar Netscher (1639-1684) who practised in the Hague. With its sumptuous fabrics and display of luxury, the portrait may have been commissioned to counter the widespread view in England that Catherine was old-fashioned and pious, in contrast to Charles II’s mistresses, who were portrayed as fashionable and sensual women.
Barbara Villiers, for example was famed for her beauty, fashion sense and patronage of the arts. The sheet of music in this portrait is intended to signal Catherine of Braganza’s interest in music. From 1665 onwards, and especially after the departure of her mother-in-law Henrietta Maria to France, Catherine became more confident in patronising musicians and artists. Some years after the death of Charles II, she returned to Portugal where she became
an important figure in European politics.

Dr. Peter Murray, 2023

More Information

Small part of frame missing.
No obvious damage or repair.
Overall condition Good.