Anne (Killigrew) Kirke

Maker Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599 - 1641, active in England)

SitterSitter: Anne (Killigrew) Kirke (British, died 1641)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca.1637

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions87 1/2 x 51 3/8 in. (222.3 x 130.5 cm.) frame: 96 3/4 × 63 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (245.7 × 161.3 × 7 cm.)

DescriptionThis is a full-length portrait of Anne Kirke (née Killigrew) (1607–1641), dresser to the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, one of the most prestigious roles for a woman at court in the 17th century.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from the Adele S. Browning Memorial Art Fund

Label TextThis portrait was almost certainly painted to commemorate Anne Kirke's appointment in 1637 as Dresser to Queen Henrietta Maria. She is depicted wearing a golden silk dress, decorated with a swath of brown gauze across the torso, and iridiscent pearls that reflect the burnished highlights of the silk. With a pointed finger, Anne directs our attention to a leaping dog, a butterfly, and a flowering rosebush. These symbols of fidelity, willingness to serve, and pain endured for pleasure, may refer to her happy marriage and achievements at court.

Status

On view

Object number83.4