The Capel Family, c. 1640

This grand family portrait shows Arthur Capel, 1st Baron Capel (1604–1649) and Elizabeth, Lady Capel (d. 1661) with five of their nine children – from left, Arthur, later Earl of Essex (1631–1683), Henry, later Baron Capel of Tewkesbury (1638–1696), Charles (d. 1657), Elizabeth, later Countess of Carnarvon (1633–1678), and Mary, later Duchess of Beaufort (1630–1715). At the time, they were enjoying a comfortable life as one of the richest families in England. The gardens that form the backdrop are perhaps those of Little Hadham, the Capels’ home.

This peaceful scene belies the turbulence that was shortly to overtake the family. Initially opposed to King Charles I’s policies, Lord Capel became a Royalist during the English Civil War (1642–51) in reaction to the violence of Parliamentarian views. He was captured and executed shortly after the execution of King Charles I in 1649.

National Portrait Gallery, London. Purchased with help from the Art Fund, 1970
© National Portrait Gallery, London