Description
Sir Peter Lely's painting Henrietta Maria of France, Queen of England is an impressive example of the 17th-century Baroque style of art. The composition of the work is very interesting, as the queen is seated in a slightly inclined position, with her left hand resting on a cushion and her right hand holding a fan. Her red and gold silk gown is exquisitely detailed, with meticulously painted pleats and ruffles.
The color in the painting is vibrant and striking, with a range of red and gold hues used to highlight the queen's beauty and elegance. The background of the work is dark, which makes the figure of the queen stand out even more in contrast.
The story behind the painting is fascinating, as Henrietta Maria was an important figure in English history. She was the wife of King Charles I and one of the last queen consorts to be crowned at Westminster Abbey. She was also a devout Catholic at a time when Protestantism was the dominant religion in England, earning her the disapproval of many of her subjects.
Also, there are little-known aspects about this painting that make it even more interesting. For example, it is believed that the original painting was larger and that Lely cropped it to focus on the figure of the queen. The painting is also said to have been a gift from Henrietta Maria to her eldest daughter, Princess Mary, who later became Queen of England.
In summary, the painting Henrietta Maria of France, Queen of England by Sir Peter Lely is an impressive work that stands out for its baroque style, interesting composition, vibrant use of color and fascinating history. It is a work of art that captures the beauty and elegance of one of the most important queens in the history of England.