the collector's folio

Peter Lely Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Peter Lely our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Peter Lely · 1618 – 1680

James VII and II, when Duke of York by Peter Lely, 1661

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #1: James VII and II, when Duke of York

1661 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

Experience the elegance of this 1661 portrait by Peter Lely, capturing royal grandeur with masterful Baroque flair; discover this timeless piece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (D2WVMK), Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #2: Untitled (D2WVMK)

Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 126 x 103 cm

Experience Baroque majesty with Pieter van der Faes' Sir Henry Capel portrait, showcasing dramatic chiaroscuro and opulent 17th-century detail; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$544103 × 126 cm Commission at original size

Peter Lely, Study for a Portrait of a Woman (1670)

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #3: Study for a Portrait of a Woman

1670 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 67 x 54 cm

Discover this exquisite 17th-century portrait study by Peter Lely, capturing the elegance of an upper-class woman with timeless grace; bring this masterpiece home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26154 × 67 cm Commission at original size

Mary Capel (1630–1715), Later Duchess of Beaufort, and Her Sister Elizabeth (1633–1678), Countess of Carnarvon – hand-painted oil reproduction by Peter Lely

Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 130 x 170 cm

Mary Capel (1630–1715), Later Duchess of Beaufort, and Her Sister ...

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18136 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$817170 × 130 cm Commission at original size

Henrietta Maria of France, Queen of England

1660 · Condé Museum, Chantilly

Henrietta Maria of France Admire Pieter van der Faes's masterpiece, Henrietta Maria of France, Queen of England – a stunning Baroque portrait capturing regal beauty and solemn contemplation. Order a high-quality reproduction today!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Oliver Cromwell

Palazzo Pitti, Florence

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, English Admiral and Statesman

1675 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 118.0 x 96.0cm

This Baroque portrait by Peter Lely captures the dignity of George Monck. Shop this exquisite hand-painted reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$49496 × 118 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Lady Elizabeth Strickland, n�e Pile – hand-painted oil reproduction by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #8: Portrait of Lady Elizabeth Strickland, n�e Pile

1659 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

This elegant 1659 portrait by Peter Lely captures a lady in sophisticated detail. Discover the grace of this Baroque masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a man, thought to be George Booth, Lord Delamere by Peter Lely, 1660

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #9: Portrait of a man, thought to be George Booth, Lord Delamere

1660 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide · original 76 x 91 cm

This 1660 oil painting by Peter Lely captures a man with striking detail. Discover the elegance of this Baroque masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36176 × 91 cm Commission at original size

Two Ladies of the Lake Family by Peter Lely, 1660

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #10: Two Ladies of the Lake Family

1660 · Tate Gallery, London · original 127 x 180 cm

Admire Sir Peter Lely’s masterpiece, ‘Two Ladies of the Lake Family,’ a stunning Baroque portrait capturing elegance and sophistication at Tate Britain. Explore its intricate details & masterful composition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18137 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$839180 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth, 1671, Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #11: Portrait of Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth

1671 · J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

This elegant 1671 oil portrait by Peter Lely captures a noblewoman's grace. Shop this stunning handmade reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham – hand-painted oil reproduction by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #12: George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham

1675 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 76.2 x 63.5cm

This Baroque portrait by Peter Lely captures the regal dignity of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Shop this stunning oil on canvas reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29864 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Henry Stone by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #13: Henry Stone

1648 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 87.9 x 72.4cm

This Baroque portrait by Peter Lely captures a dignified man in dramatic light. Discover the elegance of this 1648 oil on canvas masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$34472 × 88 cm Commission at original size

Anna Maria Talbot (née Brudenell), Countess of Shrewsbury (1670)

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #14: Anna Maria Talbot (née Brudenell), Countess of Shrewsbury

1670 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 74.9 x 62.2cm

This elegant Baroque portrait by Peter Lely captures a noblewoman in exquisite detail. Discover the beauty of this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29362 × 75 cm Commission at original size

Abraham Cowley – hand-painted oil reproduction by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #15: Abraham Cowley

1666 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 121.9 x 101.6cm

This Baroque portrait of Abraham Cowley by Peter Lely exudes dignity. Shop this exquisite oil on canvas reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$526102 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Lady Diana Bruce (died 1672) by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #16: Lady Diana Bruce (died 1672)

1665 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 122.0 x 96.5cm

This Baroque portrait by Peter Lely captures a noblewoman in elegant silk. Discover the timeless grace of this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$50797 × 122 cm Commission at original size

Queen Mary II (1677)

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #17: Queen Mary II

1677 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 125.4 x 101.9cm

This regal Baroque portrait of Queen Mary II by Peter Lely exudes elegance. Discover the beauty of this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$538102 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Henrietta Anne, Duchess of Orleans by Peter Lely, 1662

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #18: Henrietta Anne, Duchess of Orleans

1662 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 76.2 x 63.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29864 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester, 1663, Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #19: Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester

1663 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 127.0 x 101.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$541102 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Peter Lely: Sir Edward Nicholas

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #20: Sir Edward Nicholas

1662 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 124.5 x 100.3cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$529100 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Anne Hyde, Duchess of York (1637-71) by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #21: Anne Hyde, Duchess of York (1637-71)

1662 · Hampton Court Palace, London · original 205.8 x 129.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18125 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$952130 × 206 cm Commission at original size

Edward Montagu, first Earl of Sandwich, Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #22: Edward Montagu, first Earl of Sandwich

1660 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 223.2 x 130.8cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18124 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1028131 × 223 cm Commission at original size

Henry Marten (Martin) (1650)

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #23: Henry Marten (Martin)

1650 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 74.3 x 61.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29062 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Bartholomew Beale – hand-painted oil reproduction by Peter Lely

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #24: Bartholomew Beale

1670 · Dulwich Picture Gallery, London · original 91.5 x 76.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20629 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38876 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Sir Peter Lely (1660)

View the most popular artwork of Peter Lely ranked #25: Sir Peter Lely

1660 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 108.0 x 87.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 240 artworks by Peter Lely
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$43888 × 108 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Peter Lely

1618 – 1680

Quick facts

Lifespan62 years
Corpus themesdutch baroque tradition
Creative periodsmature period
Born1618, Soest, Germany
Top 3 worksJames VII and II, when Duke of York, Untitled (D2WVMK), Study for a Portrait of a Woman
Art periodEarly Modern
Gift suitabilityanniversary
Died1680

Biography

Sir Peter Lely: The Court’s Painter of Dreams

Sir Peter Lely, born in Soest, Westphalia, in 1618, was a figure whose life and career unfolded across two continents, ultimately establishing him as the preeminent portrait painter to the English court during the late Stuart period. His journey began amidst the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War, his Dutch heritage shaping an artistic sensibility deeply rooted in both Northern European traditions and the burgeoning Baroque style. Initially trained in Haarlem under Pieter de Grebber, a master of the Guild of Saint Luke, Lely honed his skills in the meticulous techniques of Flemish painting – a foundation that would profoundly influence his early work. However, it was his relocation to England around 1643 that truly defined his legacy, transforming him from a skilled craftsman into a courtier and a pivotal figure in shaping English artistic identity.

Early Years and Influences: Bridging the North and South

Lely’s early paintings reveal a fascinating synthesis of influences. Initially, he produced mythological and religious scenes, often set within idyllic pastoral landscapes – a style reminiscent of Anthony van Dyck, who had become immensely popular with the English court before his untimely death in 1641. These works demonstrate a clear admiration for Van Dyck’s elegant compositions, refined figures, and masterful use of light and shadow. Yet, Lely's paintings also possess a distinctly earthy quality, reflecting the traditions of Haarlem and incorporating elements of Northern European realism. He was particularly influenced by the Dutch Baroque, evident in his attention to detail, vibrant color palettes, and dynamic arrangements. The period’s political instability, marked by the English Civil War, undoubtedly shaped Lely's artistic choices, prompting a shift towards more intimate portraits that captured the personalities of those who frequented the court.

Court Painter and Royal Patronage: A New Era Begins

Following the Restoration in 1660, Lely’s career experienced a remarkable resurgence. He was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to King Charles II, a position previously held by Van Dyck, signifying a clear acknowledgement of his artistic merit and the enduring appeal of his style. This appointment brought with it significant privileges, including a generous stipend and access to the royal collections. Lely’s portraits became immensely popular, capturing the likenesses of prominent figures – from courtiers and nobles to members of the Royal Family. His ability to portray subjects with both dignity and charm cemented his position as the court's foremost painter. Notably, he even painted Oliver Cromwell and Richard Cromwell, offering a surprisingly candid portrayal of the former Lord Protector, demonstrating a willingness to capture reality rather than idealization.

Style and Technique: A Master of Light and Form

Lely’s artistic style is characterized by its elegance, grace, and remarkable technical skill. He possessed an exceptional ability to render fabrics with astonishing realism – a hallmark of his portraits – and his use of light and shadow created a sense of depth and atmosphere that captivated viewers. While initially influenced by Van Dyck's refined manner, Lely developed a more robust and expressive style, imbuing his subjects with personality and character. His compositions are often dynamic and engaging, drawing the eye to key elements within the frame. He was also a keen collector of Old Master drawings, which undoubtedly informed his understanding of anatomy, perspective, and artistic principles.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Sir Peter Lely’s impact on English art is undeniable. He established a tradition of court portraiture that would endure for generations, shaping the visual representation of power and status within the monarchy. His influence extended beyond mere technical skill; he fostered a sense of artistic confidence and innovation, contributing to the flourishing of the arts during the Restoration period. Although his style sometimes leaned towards repetition – a characteristic often attributed to the demands of producing numerous portraits for the court – Lely’s legacy remains secure as one of England's most important and influential painters. His work continues to be admired for its beauty, elegance, and insightful portrayal of human character, solidifying his place in art history as “The Court’s Painter of Dreams.”

Questions & Answers

What are the birth city and country of Peter Lely?

Peter Lely was born in Soest, in Germany.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Peter Lely?

Peter Lely was born in Soest in 1618.

How do I find works by Peter Lely on a specific theme?

Peter Lely's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 30, 2026

Collector's quiz

Peter Lely was born in which country?
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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by Peter Lely