They have been authenticated by an expert at the National Portrait Gallery. The portraits have an estimate of £12,000 to £18,000 for the pair. “His work hangs in some of the world’s key art institutions including the National Portrait Gallery and The Tate. “Lely was the most fashionable and influential painter of his time and his works provide us with a clear insight into the Royal Court of Restoration Britain. “Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), was appointed Principal Painter to court of King Charles II and notable sitters included Nell Gwynn, the famous mistress of Charles II, and the “Windsor Beauties”, ten aristocratic ladies from the Royal Court and can now be seen hanging at Hampton Court Palace. Sarah Flynn, head of paintings at Cheffins, said: “It is always exciting to come across works by one of the country’s great masters of portraiture. The two previously undocumented portraits by Sir Peter, Principal Painter to King Charles II, once adorned Horseheath Hall.ĭepicted in the works are William Alington, 3rd Lord Alington, MP for Cambridge and Constable of the Tower of London and his wife, Lady Diana Alington.

The portraits are among more than 100 lots of paintings and furniture from the historic Alington Estate of Little Barford Manor, Bedfordshire included in the Fine Art Sale at Cheffins’ Cambridge auction on Wednesday and Thursday.

Two portraits by the renowned 17th century artist Sir Peter Lely that once hung in Horseheath Hall near Haverhill will this week go to auction. Sir Peter Lely's portrait of Lord Alington

Portrait painter peter ledy