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Michael DahlA portrait of a lady and her daughter with an exotic birdCirca 1715
Circa 1715
$26,268.03
$32,835.0420% Off
£19,200
£24,00020% Off
€22,589.19
€28,236.4920% Off
CA$36,075.20
CA$45,09420% Off
A$40,375.28
A$50,469.1020% Off
CHF 21,082.20
CHF 26,352.7520% Off
MX$492,580.77
MX$615,725.9620% Off
NOK 267,610.83
NOK 334,513.5420% Off
SEK 253,946.20
SEK 317,432.7520% Off
DKK 168,685.42
DKK 210,856.7820% Off
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About the Item
A portrait of a lady three-quarter length, seated in an interior, wearing a red silk gown draped in a pink silk sash with an exotic bird perched on her hand and one arm resting on a stone plinth, her young daughter wearing a green silk gown standing at her side.
Oil on canvas, housed in a period 'Lely' giltwood frame.
This double portrait was painted at the height of Dahl's career in circa 1715 when Dahl had become firmly established as one of the leading portrait painters in Britain. Although the identities of the sitters are currently unknown, it is a sensitive depiction of a close and affectionate bond between a mother and daughter, with the young girl's hand resting affectionately on her mothers lap. The tamed exotic bird adds a charming decorative element which also serves to convey the high social status of the lady, given only the very wealthy would be able to own such a rare and expensive pet and the lively colouring of the bird's feathers is reflected in the colours of the sitters' silk gowns.
Provenance: Private collection, London
Michael Dahl (Stockholm 1659-1743 London) was born in Stockholm in Sweden and studied under Martin Hannibal (d 1741) and later with David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl. In 1682 he travelled to London, where he became acquainted with Godfrey Kneller and Henry Tilson, and in 1685 he left for Europe with Tilson, working briefly in Paris before continuing to Venice and Rome, where they stayed for about two years. In Rome Dahl converted to Roman Catholicism and gravitated towards the circle of Christina, former Queen of Sweden, who sat for him (Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincs). He returned to England with Tilson via Frankfurt and arrived in London in 1689, staying in England for the remainder of his career.
During Dahl's absence, Kneller had consolidated his supremacy in London as the most fashionable portrait painter, but Dahl rapidly became Kneller’s closest competitor. His patrons probably had roots in the Swedish diplomatic circles, but it expanded as a result of his ability and his agreeable personality. His prices were lower than those of Kneller and he favoured softer, more diffused, colour tones and could respond to his sitters with sincerity and humanity. Politically, Kneller supported the ascendant Whigs while Dahl was a Tory, but they frequently painted the same sitters from both parties, and in spite of fundamental differences in technique and temperament, their work was sometimes similar in appearance.
Dahl was prolific but rarely signed his work, and comparatively few of his portraits were engraved in mezzotint, the method used by Kneller to widen his reputation. By 1690 he had painted the aged Duke of Schomberg (engraved by William Faithorne) and Prince George of Denmark (London, Kensington Palace). He was ignored by William III but received commissions from Princess Anne, including one for a portrait of herself (Oakly Park, Ludlow, Salop). He also painted the future Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, and his informal portrait of the Duchess (Althorp House, Northants), formerly attributed to Kneller, is perhaps the most intimate of all images of her.
During the 1690s he secured the patronage of Charles Seymour, the ‘Proud’ 6th Duke of Somerset, who ordered a series of seven full-length portraits of notable contemporary beauties from Dahl (1690s; Petworth House, W. Sussex, NT). This was originally a scheme similar to Kneller’s more famous ‘Hampton Court Beauties’, but the portraits were subsequently reduced to three-quarter-length formats. The features of the sitters are not individualized, but they possess a decorative, languorous glamour that recalls Lely rather than Kneller. Somerset gave Dahl further employment over the next 25 years.
In 1698, following the death of Klöcker Ehrenstrahl, Dahl was offered the post of court painter at Stockholm, which he apparently refused, preferring to remain in London at his studio in Leicester Fields, near the Swedish legation. In about 1700 he was joined by a young compatriot, Hans Hysing, who worked with him for many years. Dahl seems not to have married until after 1708, He had a son Michael (d. 1741), also a painter, of whose work nothing is known, and two daughters.
After the accession of Queen Anne in 1701, she and Prince George sat for a number of official portraits. His royal patronage ceased with Queen Anne’s death, and when Dahl refused to paint the infant Duke of Cumberland in 1722. He was suspected of Jacobite sympathies, and relations had cooled between him and the Swedish legation. However, his practice continued to prosper, and he acquired another important patron in Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford, who shared his political views and whose circle included the architect James Gibbs and the poets Matthew Prior and Alexander Pope, all of whom Dahl painted. Oxford commissioned several portraits of himself. In the earliest (1719; Welbeck Abbey, Notts), he is shown dressed informally in a cap and dressing gown, seated behind a table and holding a medal of Queen Anne.
The death of Kneller in 1723 left Dahl, previously overshadowed by his rival, as the doyen of London portraitists. He continued to produce works such as the charming pastoral portrait of Oxford’s seven-year-old daughter Margaret Harley (c. 1723, Welbeck Abbey, Notts) and the ambitious equestrian portrait of Henry Hoare II, for which John Wootton painted the horse (1726, Stourhead, Wilts, NT).
- Creator:Michael Dahl (1656 - 1743, Swedish)
- Creation Year:Circa 1715
- Dimensions:Height: 55.91 in (142 cm)Width: 46.46 in (118 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Frame IncludedFraming Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Bath, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU95212324262
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Overview
This exceptional Baroque portrait artwork, the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, is an oil on canvas painting from the early 18th century. The painting, laid onto a panel, represents a compelling historical piece linked to Mrs. Voss, who was active circa 1685-1690 and recognized as the mistress of Sir Godfrey Kneller and the mother of Catherine (Agnes) Huckle.
Key Details: Sir Godfrey Kneller, Mrs Voss and Catherine Kneller oil canvas
Medium: Oil on paper, laid onto panel
Period: Early 18th century
Condition: Unframed oil panel
Dimensions: Height - 28 inches, Width - 34 inches
Historical Connection: A larger version of this artwork is held in the Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
Artist Influence: Connected to the circle of Sir Godfrey Kneller, one of the most influential portrait artists of the Baroque period.
This Old Master portrait painting is a fine example of Kneller’s portrait style, making it a sought-after piece for collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts looking to buy antique paintings in Sussex or the UK.
About Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)
Sir Godfrey Kneller (born Gottfried Kniller) was a renowned Baroque portrait painter of Anglo-German descent, widely considered one of the greatest portraitists of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His influence on English portraiture was significant, and his works remain highly collectable today.
1. Early Life and Training
Birth: August 8, 1646, Lübeck, Germany
Parents: Zacharias Kniller (merchant) and Lucia Kniller
Education:
Studied painting in Lübeck
Trained in Amsterdam under Ferdinand Bol (a student of Rembrandt)
Influenced by the Dutch Golden Age art movement
During his training, Kneller adopted techniques from Rembrandt and Bol, shaping his mastery of light, shadow, and lifelike portraiture.
2. Italian Influence and Artistic Growth Sir Godfrey Kneller Mrs Voss and Catherine Kneller oil canvas
Traveled to Italy in the early 1670s to study Titian, Veronese, and Caravaggio
His exposure to Italian Renaissance and Baroque art deepened his understanding of color theory, composition, and grand portraiture
After returning to Northern Europe, he briefly worked in Hamburg before moving to England in 1676
3. Kneller’s Rise in England and Royal Patronage
His talent quickly gained recognition among the English aristocracy and royalty
In 1680, he was appointed Principal Painter to King Charles II
Over his career, Kneller painted portraits of five English and British monarchs:
King Charles II
King James II
King William III & Queen Mary II
Queen Anne
King George I
His iconic portrait paintings continue to serve as historical records of British nobility, making his works highly valuable in the art market.
4. Notable Works and Contributions
Kit-Cat Club Portraits: A famous series of 48 portraits of prominent literary, political, and cultural figures of the time.
Developed the grand yet lifelike Baroque portrait style, balancing realism with nobility.
His influence on later English portrait painters, such as Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds, was profound.
5. Kneller’s Honors and Legacy
Knighted by King William III in 1692
Created a Baronet by King George I in 1715
Naturalized British Citizen in 1711
Passed away on October 19, 1723, and was buried in Twickenham, England.
His works remain highly collectible, sought after by art collectors, historians, and museums worldwide.
Historical & Artistic Significance of the Painting
This early 18th-century oil portrait attributed to Kneller’s circle is an outstanding example of his influence on Baroque portraiture. The depiction of Mrs. Voss and her connection to Catherine (Agnes) Huckle adds historical depth and collector value.
1. Artistic Style and Features
Detailed brushwork characteristic of Kneller’s school
Rich color palette influenced by Titian and Rembrandt
Noble posturing typical of 17th-18th century aristocratic portraiture
Use of light and shadow to enhance depth and realism
2. Collector’s Appeal & Investment Potential
Highly sought-after Old Master artwork with documented provenance
Strong appeal to art collectors, historians, and museums
Valuable addition to Baroque art collections
Investment-worthy due to high demand for Kneller’s works in auctions and private sales
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A much larger version of this painting exists in the Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
This smaller panel version offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a historically significant work at a more accessible scale and price
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The circle of Godfrey Kneller oil on canvas painting featuring Mrs. Voss and Catherine (Agnes) Huckle is an important historical artwork. Whether you are an art collector, investor, or historian, this painting represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Baroque portraiture.
Why This Painting is a Must-Have for Collectors:
Authentic Old Master Portrait from the School of Kneller
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Investment Potential in the Art Market
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