Categories: Paintings |

A Portrait of John, Lord Burghley, later 5th Earl of Exeter with his Brother, the Hon. David Cecil and his Sister Lady Frances Cecil, when Children, with a Dog and a Lamb, Circle of Jacob d’Agar (1640-1715).

Oil on canvas, 120.7cm by 185.4cm.  Inscribed with the identity of the sitters.

The 1763 Burghley Inventory records: ‘The Marble hall …John ye 4th Earl of Exeter, Mr David Cecil & Lady Scudamore 7.’

The children were, in fact, the sons and daughter of John, 4th Earl of Exeter (1628-1678).

Jacob, also known as Jacques, d’Agar, was born in France.

Originally a history painter, he changed to portraiture, and was very successful, becoming painter to the King and Court.

However, as a Protestant, he decided to leave France in 1682, with his son Charles, who was also a portrait painter.

He painted several members of the English nobility and was also invited to the Danish Court where he was much patronised by King Christian V.

REFERENCE: PIC389

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