Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) - Algernon Capel 2nd Earl Of Essex (1670-1710)

A fine, sensitively rendered 17th-century English portrait of Algernon Capel, 2nd Earl of Essex (1670-1710), painted by the workshop of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723). The handsome sitter is depicted half-length, in armor, holding a white crosier and wearing a wig. A soldier and courtier, he succeeded his father as the second Earl of Essex in 1683, at the age of thirteen. Algernon Capel was closely associated with King William III and Queen Anne, within the context of the Protestant succession supported by the Whigs. Contemporary commentaries state that Capel "is a good fellow; he likes the interests of his country; he has no talent for business and never will; he is a well-bred gentleman; he has a dark complexion and is well-built, but his mouth is always open." He also had a reputation for being "the most lecherous young man in town." In 1692, Capel married Mary, daughter of Hans Willem Bentinck (a favorite of King William and later the first Earl of Portland), having been appointed a Gentleman of the Bedchamber upon William's accession to the throne in 1688. Capel also sat in the House of Lords and was Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, and later of Hertfordshire, from 1692 until his death, a post which gave him command of the local militia. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Landen in 1693. Under Queen Anne, who succeeded him in 1702, he was promoted to Major General and, in 1707, Lieutenant General of the Queen's forces. He also served as Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. Capel was also Constable of the Tower of London, despite his father and grandfather having been imprisoned there. His father was imprisoned in the Tower in 1683, suspected of involvement in the Rye House Plot, an assassination attempt against Charles II and his brother James. Before his trial, he was found in his cell, "dead and covered in blood," having likely slit his own throat. The second Earl died suddenly in the Earl of Portland's lodgings at Whitehall, London, and was buried at Watford on 19 January 1710. Algernon lives on in this captivating portrait, which not only makes strong allusions to the sitter's military prowess through his attire but also reveals his exuberant nature through the artist's keen observation of his character. This remarkable work is in excellent condition and is presented ready to hang and be admired in its original carved and gilt Lely-style frame, dating from the 17th century. High-resolution images are available upon request. International shipping is available. Canvas: 86 cm x 67 cm. Framed: 105 cm x 85 cm.