About this artwork
This image of Robert Kerr has a sensuous beauty. The sitter's face, framed by a flowing wig and beautifully painted fabrics, is tilted to one side as he gazes side-long out of the canvas with a melancholy expression. The portrait was painted during one of his business trips to London, by the Dutch artist Simon Verelst, who was best known for his still lifes of fruit and flowers. Kerr was an enthusiastic supporter of William of Orange and held high office during the reign of William and Mary.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Simon Verelst (1644 - 1721) Dutch
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title:Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian, 1636 - 1703. Statesman
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date created:About 1678
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:74.90 x 63.50 cm; Framed: 107.50 x 91.50 x 8.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequeathed by the Marquess of Lothian 1941
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accession number:PG 1410
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
Simon Verelst
Simon Verelst
Simon Verelst was born in The Hague and came from a family of painters. When he settled in London in 1669 he already had a reputation as a painter of still lifes. This reputation grew while in Britain, where his admirers included the diarist Samuel Pepys. He was encouraged to paint portraits but...