Sir Godfrey Kneller

Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723), English painter, born in Lübeck, Germany, and trained in Amsterdam. He emigrated to England in 1675 with an established reputation as a portraitist. His patrons included the English monarchs Charles II, James II, William III, Mary II, Anne, and George I, and his work included portraits of the important members of their courts. Kneller also painted other reigning European monarchs and numerous portraits of celebrities. Kneller's prolific output may be characterized as technically competent if uninspired, satisfying the requirements of his patrons for flattering, elegant presentations suitable to the conventions and tastes of the times.