Artwork

Charles Mordaunt (1658–1735), 3rd Earl of Peterborough and 1st Earl of Monmouth

Charles Mordaunt (1658–1735), 3rd Earl of Peterborough and 1st Earl of Monmouth is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Michael Dahl. It dates from 1709 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Around 1709, Swedish-born portraitist Michael Dahl painted this oil work while working in England. The canvas presents Charles Mordaunt, the third Earl of Peterborough, in formal attire typical of his rank. The portrait is part of the Nationalmuseum’s holdings, illustrating early‑18th‑century aristocratic representation.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Charles Mordaunt (1658–1735), held the titles of Earl of Peterborough and later Earl of Monmouth, marking him as a prominent figure in British nobility. His pose—right hand relaxed on his lap, left hand grasping a red ribbon—conveys both authority and personal refinement, while his elaborate dress underscores his social status.

Technique & Style

Dahl employed the Dutch Golden Age portrait tradition, emphasizing precise detailing and a subdued, dark background that brings the subject forward. The blue velvet coat, gold embroidery, and lace cuffs are rendered with careful brushwork, highlighting texture and material richness, while the chiaroscuro lighting models the figure’s features with subtle gradations.

History & Provenance

After its creation in the early 18th century, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by Sweden’s Nationalmuseum. Its provenance reflects the movement of English aristocratic portraiture into continental institutions, offering insight into the cross‑national appreciation of Dahl’s work.