Anne Kirke (née Killigrew)

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Anne Kirke (née Killigrew)

by Isaac Beckett, published by Alexander Browne, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
mezzotint, circa 1684 (circa 1637)
18 7/8 in. x 11 1/2 in. (479 mm x 291 mm) plate size; 20 3/8 in. x 12 7/8 in. (517 mm x 328 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries, 1984
Reference Collection
NPG D11449

Sitterback to top

  • Anne Kirke (née Killigrew) (1607-1641), Dresser to the Queen (Henrietta Maria); daughter of Sir Robert Killigrew and Lady Mary Killigrew (née Woodhouse); wife of George Kirke. Sitter in 4 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Isaac Beckett (1652 or 1653-1688), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 184 portraits.
  • Alexander Browne (active 1659-died 1706), Artist, publisher, printseller, auctioneer and dealer. Artist or producer associated with 149 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
  • Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 1023 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This grand portrait was likely occasioned by Kirke's appointment in 1637 as Dresser to Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I . The painting by van Dyck used to be in Sir Peter Lely's collection, and was subsequently bought at Lely's studio sale in 1682 by Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent. The print carries a dedication by Browne to the new owner.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D13172: Anne Kirke (née Killigrew) (from same plate)

Placesback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Portrait setback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1684back to top

Current affairs

James, Duke of York's influence grows within Charles II's government; the Admiralty commission is abolished, allowing James to resume his role as lord admiral, in all but name. A new generation of Tories, supporters of James are bestowed with influential roles, including Sir George Jeffreys, recently appointed Lord Chief Justice.

Art and science

Italian decorative artist, Antonio Verrio, is appointed 'principal Gardiner and Surveyor' to the King.
Author, John Bunyan, publishes the second part of his Pilgrim's Progress.

International

Luxembourg surrenders to French forces. Renewed fighting between the French Bourbons and the Spanish Habsburgs had broken out the year before when French troops laid seize to Luxembourg and entered the Spanish Netherlands. Charles II rejects Spanish demands for assistance, determined to remain detached from the conflict.

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