KNELLER, SIR GODFREY, a celebrated portrait pain ter, was born at Lubeck about the year 1618, and was the on of M. Kneller, surveyor-general of the mines, and in spector of Count Mansfeld's revenues. Having exhibited an early passion for painting, his father, though he had destined him for a military life, sent him to Amsterdam to receive instruction from Bol, and he had also the good for tune to be honoured with instructions from Rembrandt. He went to Italy in 1672, where he spent some time in Venice. In 1674, he came to England, without any inten tion of taking up his residence in this country ; but having been accidentally recommended to Mr. Banks, a Ham burgh merchant, he took portraits of him and his family. The Duke of Monmouth having induced the king to sit to Kneller, his majesty, who was engaged to have his portrait taken by Lcly, insisted that he should sit to both artists at the same time. Kneller executed his portrait with such
expedition, that he had finished it before Lely's was dead coloured. This little event gained.him reputation, and in duced him to take up his residence pet mancntly in En gland. Kneller was patronised by Charles II. James II. and William III. and he. had the rare honour of taking the pow alt of ten sovereigns. He was knighted in 1692, by William III. for whom he painted the beauties of Hampton Court, and who presented him with a gold medal and chain worth L. 300. He likewise took a portrait of George I. who raised him to the dignity of a baronet.
Lt 1722, he was seized with a violent fever, of which he languished fin a considerable time, and which carried him off in October 1723, in the 75th year of his age. A monu ment was erected to him in Westminster Abbey, for which he left L. 300.