LELY

lely, sir peter (1617-1680) english painter, was born at soest, westphalia, in 1617. his father, a military captain and a native of holland, was originally called van der vaes; the nickname of le lys or lely, by which he was generally known, was adopted by his son as a surname. after studying for two years under peter de grebber, an artist of some note at haarlem, lely, induced by the patronage of charles i. for the fine arts, removed to england in 1641. there he at first painted historical subjects and landscape; he soon became so eminent in his profession as to be employed by charles to paint his portrait shortly after the death of vandyck. he afterwards portrayed cromwell. at the restoration his genius and agreeable manners won the favour of charles