Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland

Sitterback to top

• Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland (1640-1709), Mistress of Charles II. Sitter associated with 33 portraits.

Artistback to top

• John Michael Wright (1617-1694), Painter. Artist associated with 25 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Barbara Villiers was a skilful manipulator of her image and was frequently portrayed. Wright depicts her as a shepherdess, a guise that may reflect her role in a court masque.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Macleod, Catharine; Alexander, Julia Marciari, Painted Ladies: Women at the Court of Charles II, 2001 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 11 October 2001 to 6 January 2002), p. 132
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 129

Subject/Themeback to top

• Jewellery