Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland

by Pierre Lombart, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, 1660s (circa 1639)
14 in. x 9 3/4 in. (357 mm x 247 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D10901

Sitterback to top

Dorothy Spencer (n?e Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (1617-1684), Subject of poetry and Waller's 'Sacharissa'. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Pierre Lombart (1612 or 1613-1682), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 132 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 1023 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D10891: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)
NPG D10951: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)
NPG D34299: Dorothy Spencer (née Sidney), Countess of Sunderland (from same plate)

Subject/Themeback to top

Line engraving

Events of 1660back to top

Current affairs

The Convention Parliament and Lords proclaim Charles II king after he issues a declaration from Breda offering an indemnity to those who had committed crimes against the crown during the civil war and Interregnum. Charles lands at Dover from The Hague on 25th May to great pomp and ceremony.

Art and science

Diarist Samuel Pepys starts his diary on 1st January, writing in shorthand. The diary became a unique social document, opening with a brief summary of his domestic situation and the political background.
Dutch portrait painter, Peter Lely, is appointed principal painter to Charles II.
Official foundation of the Royal Society.

International

The Anglo-Spanish War, begun by Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, formally ends after the restoration of the British monarchy and peace is made with Philip IV of Spain.

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