SIR GODFREY KNELLER (1646-1723) - ALGERNON CAPEL 2ND EARL OF ESSEX (1670-1710)

Fine quality and sensitively rendered 17th century English portrait of Algernon Capel, 2nd Earl of Essex (1670-1710) from the studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723). The handsome sitter is depicted half length in armour with a white stock and full wig.

A soldier and courtier that succeeded his father as second Earl of Essex in 1683 at the age of thirteen.  Algernon Capel was closely involved with both King William III and Queen Anne, as part of the Whig-supported Protestant Succession.

Contemporary comments state that Capel ‘is a good companion; loves the interest of his country; hath no genius for business, nor will ever apply himself that way; is a well bred gentleman; brown complexioned and well shaped, but his mouth is always open’.  He also had the reputation of being ‘the lewdest young man of the town’.  

In 1692, Capel married Mary, daughter of Hans Willem Bentinck (King William’s favourite and later first Earl of Portland), having been appointed Gentleman of the Bedchamber immediately on William’s accession in 1688.

Capel also sat in the House of Lords, and was Lord-Lieutenant first of Dorset then of Hertfordshire from 1692 until his death, a post which made him responsible for local militia. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Landen in 1693. Under Queen Anne, who succeeded in 1702, he was promoted to Major General, and in 1707 he became Lieutenant General of the Queen’s forces. He was also Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Capel also acted as Constable of the Tower of London, although both his father and grandfather had been imprisoned there his father was imprisoned in the Tower in 1683 on suspicion of involvement in the Rye House Plot, an attempt to kill Charles II and his brother James  and before  he could be tried he was found in his cell 'dead and wallowing in blood', having presumably cut his own throat. The second earl  died suddenly in the Earl of Portland’s lodgings at Whitehall, London and was buried at Watford on 19th January 1710.

Algernon lives on in this beguiling portrait which not only makes strong allusions to the sitters military prowess through his costume, it also reveals his ebullient nature thanks to the artists acute observation of his character

This fine work is in an excellent state of conservation and is presented ready to hang and enjoy in its original carved and gilded 17th century ‘Lely’ style frame.

Higher resolution images on request.   Worldwide shipping available.

Canvas: 86cm x 67cm.   Framed: 105cm x 85 cm.

Price: £9200