Circle of Sir Peter Lely

Circle of Sir Peter Lely
Portrait of a lady, possibly Elizabeth Claypole (1629-1658), half-length, wearing a blue dress and pearl necklace, her hair in ringlets
Oil on canvas
68.5 x 60.5cm; 27 x 23¾in

Elizabeth Claypole was the second daughter of Oliver Cromwell. She was reputedly Cromwell’s favourite daughter, known by him as ‘Bettie’. A portrait of Elizabeth, which seems to relate to the present work, is in the Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon (no.HUTCM:B9).