English School, 17th century

English School, 17th century
Portrait of Mary Killigrew, in a black and gold dress, white lace ruff and long gold necklace with diamonds, a pearl brooch in her hair, pearl earrings, and a pink flower at her breast
inscribed on the reverse 'Mary Wife of Peter Killigrew the First and mother of Sir Peter Killigrew the Last, Sister to the Duchess of Newcastle, as also of Lord Lucas, and of Sir Charles Lucas, Shott [sic] in Cold Blood by Sir Tho. Fairfax, on the Surrender of Colchester',
miniature, oval
5.2 x 4.4cm, in a gold mount, tested as approximately 18ct gold

Mary Lucas was born c.1622 and married Sir Peter Killigrew in October 1625. Adriaen Hanneman painted Mary Lucas in 1636 and the portrait is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia. Mary Lucas came from a family of Royalists and her brother, Sir Charles Lucas, was executed by firing squad in 1648 following the siege of Colchester. Her sister, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, has received significant literary attention as she lived in exile as Queen Henrietta Maria's lady-in-waiting at the court of Louis XIV, but is best remembered for her publications of poetry and philosophical writings.