An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Woman, called Lucy Percy, Countess of Carlislec.1650
Artist: Adriaan Hanneman; Depicted: Lucy Hay, Countess of Carlisle
Dutch, 1601–1671
Portrait of a woman in a green dress and brown scarf with flowers in her hair, pearl necklace and earrings, at a fountain.
32 x 26 in. (81.28 x 66.04 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
Gift of Mrs. John Washburn and Miss Elizabeth Pope Washburn in memory of John Washburn
In the grand tapestry of the English court, where whispers of intrigue danced like shadows in candlelight, one name stood out amid the glittering nobility: Lucy Percy. Born in 1599, she entered a world where power and charm intertwined, and here, she would weave her own storied legacy.
Imagine the courts of King Charles I, adorned with velvet and gold, vibrant with the laughter of courtiers as they played their parts in a delicate game of politics. Lucy, known for her sharp wit, slipped seamlessly into these circles, her voice ringing with liveliness and curiosity. In 1617, she took a daring leap into scandal by marrying the notorious James Hay, Earl of Carlisle. This was no ordinary love; it was a defiance of her father's wishes and a step into a whirlwind of courtly machinations.
As the sun rose and set over the court, Lucy found herself nestled in the company of Queen Henrietta Maria. Their friendship blossomed, a delicate flower amid the tumult of royal politics, and Lucy thrived within this intimate circle of influence. Yet, just as she seemed to ascend the heights of power, fate took a different turn. The death of her husband cast a shadow upon her path, prompting a transformation within her loyalties.
Embracing the winds of change, Lucy shifted her allegiance toward the Republican party. It was here that her keen insight proved invaluable; she became a channel of vital information about the royal family. Her ability to adapt and navigate through allegiances was remarkable, yet an air of uncertainty lingered—how long could she sustain this balancing act in the ever-changing landscape of power?
When Charles II returned to reclaim the throne, many scrambled to reestablish ties, and Lucy was no exception. Like a bird returning to its nest, she sought to rekindle her relationship with the Royalists and find her place once more in the court. Yet, in the bittersweet poetry of life, just as she stood on the brink of regaining her status, she was silenced by death, leaving her story suspended in time, like a painting half-finished.
Today, if you gaze upon an artwork commemorating Lucy Percy, you glimpse not only her vibrant life but also the swirling complexities of a woman who danced between loyalties. Her tale, marked by ambition and shrouded in intrigue, reflects the struggles many face as they navigate the delicate lines of loyalty and power. It reminds us of the intricate roles women have played throughout history—often unseen yet profoundly impactful.
This reflection of Lucy Percy was made possible through the generous contribution from Al and Dena Naylor via the Art Champions program—an homage to the enduring legacy of a lady whose wit and will remain etched in the annals of history.
About the artist
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