Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland (ca 1641-1709)

My name is Isabella, and I'll be your guide today! We're going to look at a super cool painting. It's a portrait, which means it's a picture of a person. This one is of a very important lady from a long, long time ago. nn --- nn This painting is HUGE! It's so big, it's almost as tall as some of you! The lady in the painting is Barbara Villiers, the Duchess of Cleveland. Can anyone guess what a Duchess is? (Pause for answers). She was like a super important princess! This painting was made hundreds of years ago, in the 1600s! nn --- nn Look at her dress! It's shiny gold, like a king's crown! And see the blue fabric? It's draped over the gold, making it look fancy and flowy. What do you think about her big, colorful hat with all the feathers? Does it look pretty? (Pause for answers). It's very dramatic, isn't it? nn --- nn See the lion's head she's touching? Lions are strong and powerful, just like the Duchess! And that stick she's holding? That might be a symbol of power too! What do you think it means? (Pause for answers). It's like a magic wand for a queen! nn --- nn The artist, Peter Lely, was really good at painting! Look closely at her face. Can you see how he painted the light and shadows? It makes her face look so real! He even painted the tiny details on her dress. It must have taken a very long time! nn --- nn The background is dark and mysterious, but it makes the Duchess stand out even more. It's like she's a shining star in the night sky! The whole painting is full of rich, warm colors. What are your favorite colors in this painting? (Pause for answers). nn --- nn This painting isn't just a picture; it tells us a story about the Duchess and the time she lived in. It shows us how powerful and important she was. It's like a window into the past! Isn't that amazing? What do you think about this painting now that you've seen it up close? (Pause for answers). I'm so glad you came to see it with me today!