Sir Peter Lely was a prominent Dutch painter born in 1618 in Delft, Netherlands. He is best known for his portraits of English nobility during the 17th century. Lely moved to England in 1641, where he became the court painter for King Charles II and gained fame for his elegant and flattering depictions of his subjects. Lely's style is characterized by its smooth brushwork and rich colors, often highlighting the beauty and grace of his sitters. His most famous works include portraits of notable figures such as Lady Mary Villiers and Barbara Villiers. Lely passed away in 1680, leaving a lasting impact on English portraiture.