9 OF 35 
Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland
9 of 35 portraits of Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Share thisBarbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland
by William Faithorne, after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, 1666
14 in. x 11 in. (356 mm x 280 mm) plate size; 14 1/8 in. x 11 1/8 in. (360 mm x 283 mm) paper size
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D22670
Sitterback to top
- Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland (1640-1709), Mistress of Charles II. Sitter in 35 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- William Faithorne (circa 1620-1691), Engraver and draughtsman. Artist associated with 720 portraits, Sitter associated with 4 portraits.
- Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.
Linked publicationsback to top
- 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), pp. 120-122
- Ollard, Richard, Pepys and his Contemporaries, 2015, p. 103
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1666back to top
Current affairs
The Great Fire of London starts in a baker's shop in Pudding Lane, destroying two-thirds of the city. Charles II and James, Duke of York personally direct and manually assist with the fire-fighting effort. Thousands are left homeless, though few people die.Art and science
Mathematical scientist, Isaac Newton, formulates a series of groundbreaking theories concerning light, colour, calculus, and, after supposedly watching an apple fall from a tree, the universal law of gravitation.Nicholas Lanier, Master of the King's Music dies and Frenchman Louis Grabu is appointed the post.
International
The Four Days' Battle. Dutch navy led by Admiral Michiel de Ruyter attacks the English fleet under George Monck, Duke of Albemarle, now Joint- Commander-in-Chief with Prince Rupert. Outcome of the battle is indecisive, though England loses twice as many men and ships, severely damaging the fleet.Tell us more back to top
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- Alexander Browne and Richard Tompson
- Duchess of Cleveland Appeal
- Barbara Villiers
- Introduction
- Handlist of names in the Reference Collection
- Painted Ladies: Women at the Court of Charles II
- Restoration Lives: Samuel Pepys and His Circle
- Handlist of names in the Reference Collection - M-Z
- Catherine Sedley
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