Louise de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth Mezzotint engraving by Isaac Beckett, published by Edward Cooper, after Sir Godfrey Kneller. Circa 1685
42.5 by 25 cms. Image. 49 by 31 cms. 18th.Century fruitwood frame.
Louise Renée Penancoët de Kéroualle came to England from France as a Maid of Honour to the sister of King Charles II in 1670. Shortly afterwards becoming Charles's favourite mistress, in 1673 he created for her the position of Duchess of Portsmouth. She used her influence to strengthen the friendship between Charles II and Louis XIV. She bore the King one child, Charles Duke of Richmond and Lennox, amongst her many aristocratic descendants Diana Princess of Wales, Sarah Duchess of York and Camilla Queen Consort.