Lady Elizabeth Grey, Countess of Kent
- Artist: Paul Van Somer
- Date: c.1619
- Medium: Oil paint on wood
- Dimensions: support: 1143 x 819 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This is the “Lady Elizabeth Grey, Countess of Kent” by Paul Van Somer. Painted c.1619, it shows the lady in full mourning dress, a black gown, which hints at the recent death of Queen Anne of Denmark, for whom Van Somer had been the court painter since 1616. Lady Grey was one of Anne’s close attendants, and her posture and jewelry echo that close relationship. Notice the small jewel beneath her heart, bearing a crowned monogram ‘AR’ – a Latin abbreviation for ‘Anna Regina’ – which was probably a miniature portrait case gifted by the queen. The black ribbon around her wrist holds a signet ring engraved with a talbot dog, a pun on her maiden name Talbot, a detail that underscores the personal touches in court portraits. The low décolletage and the tight bodice are typical of Jacobean fashion, worn by women in the inner circle. This work was owned by Charles I in his early collection, and it survived through the turbulent years that followed. Van Somer’s brushwork is subtle, with soft modeling that gives the sitter a dignified, almost serene presence, a reminder of the grace expected in the royal court.
See it in person
Lady Elizabeth Grey, Countess of Kent is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
