Portraits in disguise - NPG 5727
Venetia, Lady Digby
by Sir Anthony Van Dyck
circa 1633-1634
NPG 5727
This
complicated allegorical image of Lady Digby (1600-33) was almost
certainly a posthumous tribute devised by her husband, Sir Kenelm.
She sits calmly, as she spurns two-faced Deceit and treads on
Profane Love. The sitter's snakes and doves allude to
St.Matthew
10.16: 'Behold, I send you out as ship in the midst of wolves,
so be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves'. Thee putti
crown her with a wreath of laurel signifying her victory over
vice. The portrait shows Van Dyck's fondess for 'romantic' dress
rather than conventional day dress, and may also have been influenced
by contemporary masques. Two by Ben Jonson -
Chloridia
and
Love's Triumph through Callipolis
- (both performed
in 1631) develop the theme of the defeat of evil by heroes.
Queen Henrietta Maria
by unknown artist, c .1635
NPG 1247 (Detail)
This
dress of green satin is decorated with appliqué work of
pearls and lace. The bodice is cut low at the front and the long
curve of the stomacher is clearly visible outlined in pearls.
The skirt is cut very full, the fullness is pushed to the back
and held out by hip pads.
