Sir Godfrey Kneller Mrs Voss And Catherine Kneller Oil Canvas

The circle of Godfrey Kneller oil on canvas laid onto the panel.
Mrs Voss was active (circa 1685-1690) and the mistress of Sir Godfrey Kneller the Mother of Catherine (Agnes) Huckle.

Unframed

A much larger copy of this exists at the Collection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset.

Biography

Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) was a prominent Baroque portrait painter of Anglo-German descent, recognized as one of the leading portraitists of his time. Born on August 8, 1646, in Lübeck, Germany, Kneller was originally named Gottfried Kniller. He was the son of Zacharias Kniller, a notable Lübeck merchant, and his wife Lucia.

Kneller began his artistic education in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck before moving to Amsterdam. There, he studied under Ferdinand Bol and possibly Rembrandt, gaining significant skills in painting and becoming influenced by the Dutch Golden Age of art. His early works reflected the stylistic elements of his Dutch masters, which he later adapted and evolved to create his distinctive Baroque style.

In the early 1670s, Kneller travelled to Italy to further his education, studying the works of great masters such as Titian, Veronese, and Caravaggio. This period significantly influenced his use of colour and composition. Upon returning north, he settled in Hamburg for a brief period before making his way to England around 1676.

Kneller’s career in England flourished rapidly. His talent caught the attention of prominent figures, leading to his appointment as the principal painter to King Charles II in 1680. Kneller's ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects made him highly sought after by the English nobility and royalty. He painted portraits of five English and British monarchs: Charles II, James II, William III, Mary II, and Queen Anne, as well as George I. His prolific output included not only royalty but also many of the leading political, cultural, and intellectual figures of his time.

Kneller's most renowned works include the "Kit-Cat Club" series, a collection of portraits depicting the members of a prominent political and literary club. This series exemplified his ability to combine a realistic portrayal with a sense of grandeur and elegance, attributes that became his hallmark. Kneller’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the development of English portrait painting for generations.

In recognition of his artistic contributions, Kneller was knighted by King William III in 1692 and later created a baronet by King George I in 1715. He became a naturalized British subject in 1711, further solidifying his status in England. Despite his success, Kneller remained connected to his German roots, maintaining relationships with fellow artists and patrons in Europe.

Kneller's personal life was marked by his marriage to Susanna Grave, with whom he had a daughter. He lived a prosperous life, enjoying the fruits of his artistic success. Sir Godfrey Kneller passed away on October 19, 1723, and was buried in Twickenham, England.

His legacy endures through his vast body of work, which continues to be celebrated for its artistic merit and historical significance. Kneller's portraits remain valuable records of the people and culture of late 17th and early 18th century England, securing his place as a pivotal figure in the history of art.