Sir Peter Lely (Pieter van der Faes)

Sir Peter Lely, born Pieter van der Faes in 1618, was a prominent English painter of the Baroque period. He is best known for his portraits of the English aristocracy and members of the royal court, particularly during the reign of Charles II. Lely's work is characterized by its elegance and the use of rich colors, which contributed to the development of portraiture in England. He was appointed as the official painter to the court and became a leading figure in the art scene of his time. Lely passed away in 1680, leaving a significant legacy that influenced subsequent generations of portrait painters.