1646–1723
Sir Godfrey Kneller, born Gottfried Kniller in Lübeck, Germany, rose to prominence as the leading portrait painter of late Stuart and early Georgian England. Celebrated for his technical skill and the grandeur of his compositions, Kneller’s works captured the essence of his time, portraying monarchs, scientists, and literary figures with unmatched sophistication.
Kneller began his studies in Leiden and trained under Ferdinand Bol and Rembrandt in Amsterdam. A promising start in historical painting led him to Italy, where he honed his craft in Rome and Venice under Carlo Maratti. By the 1670s, Kneller, alongside his brother John Zacharias, moved to England, where their talent quickly garnered the attention of the Duke of Monmouth and King Charles II.
Kneller’s mastery of portraiture earned him the title of Principal Painter in Ordinary to the Crown following the death of Sir Peter Lely in 1680. His innovative approach, blending detailed facial sketches with formulaic body poses, produced portraits on an industrial scale, appealing to England’s aristocracy. Notable works include the Hampton Court Beauties, commissioned by William III, and the Kit-Cat Portraits, a series depicting influential members of the Kit-Cat Club.
Kneller’s artistic contributions were recognized with numerous honors: a knighthood in 1692, a Doctorate of Law from Oxford in 1695, and a baronetcy in 1715 from George I. He also founded the Kneller Academy of Painting and Drawing, nurturing a generation of English artists.
Kneller married Susanna Grave in 1704 but had no children. He left his artistic legacy to Edward Byng, his assistant, who ensured the completion of unfinished works. His estate passed to his grandson, Godfrey Kneller Huckle, the son of his illegitimate daughter, Agnes.
Kneller’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His home in Whitton became Kneller Hall, now housing the Royal Military School of Music. A memorial to Kneller stands in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his enduring impact on British art.
Kneller’s works continue to be admired for their elegance and historical significance, immortalizing the faces and figures of an era defined by transformation and cultural flourishing.
