SwissArtGallery · Documented identity
Peter Lely was born in Soest in 1618 to Dutch parents and died in London in 1680. He trained in Haarlem before moving to England around 1643, becoming a leading portraitist of the court and aristocracy. Following the Restoration, Charles II appointed him Principal Painter in 1661. His career thus spanned different political regimes, with portraiture remaining central to his production.
In his compositions, poses, fabrics and gestures construct an image of social distinction. His portraits of court women and those of naval officers demonstrate different registers within this practice. A substantial workshop, employing assistants, helped him meet demand. Paintings in the British Royal Collection and the National Galleries of Scotland document his activity and the visual language through which he represented his patrons.
This profile brings together identity references for Peter Lely and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.
DognyAuction · Piguet
References include catalogue entries and available results; they do not all represent completed sales.
These references are shown separately because of their attribution or lot composition. Each record states the reason.
Oil on canvas
Atelier de Peter Lely — "Lady Judith May"
huile sur toile
atelier de
Catalogue period : 2026-09-08 — 2026-09-23
atelier de
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 3000–5000
View the lot at the auction house ↗
Oil on canvas
Attribué à Peter LELY — Portrait de Vittoria della Rovere, grande duchesse de Toscane, épouse de Cosme II
huile sur toile
attr.
Date to be documented
Attributed
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 5000–8000
View the lot at the auction house ↗Oil on canvas
Atelier de Peter LELY — Portrait de Vittoria della Rovere, grande duchesse de Toscane, épouse de Ferdinand II de Médicis
huile sur toile
workshop
Date to be documented
workshop
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 6000–8000
View the lot at the auction house ↗Oil on canvas
Atelier de Peter LELY — Portrait de Vittoria della Rovere, grande duchesse de Toscane, épouse de Ferdinand II de Médicis
huile sur toile
atelier de
Date to be documented
atelier de
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 8000–10000
View the lot at the auction house ↗SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
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