Portrait of the Countess of Manchester

Portrait of the Countess of Manchester
After Van Dyck, possibly by Remy van Leemput (d.1675)

This portrait is believed to be one of the five wives of Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester (1602-1671). If the association with Van Dyck is relevant, it would suggest that it is his second wife Anne, to whom he was married from 1626-1641.

As Lord Mandeville, Montagu was a leading figure in the Puritan party in the Lords from around 1640, and succeeded his father as Earl of Manchester in 1642. Elected Speaker of the House of Lords and appointed Lord Chamberlain in 1660.

He fought with Cromwell at the victory of Marston Moor over Prince Rupert, but later totally lost Cromwell's confidence, and eventually in 1645 resigned his commission, retiring from public life until after the Restoration.