Lot Essay
William Murray was educated alongside Charles I at court, and as his whipping boy, took the punishment if the young prince misbehaved. They formed a lifelong friendship, during which Murray acted as advisor to the King, and Charles granted him the title of Earl of Dysart and the lease of Ham House. The sitter in this portrait has traditionally been identified as Murray's eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who inherited the title and later married Sir Lionel Tollemache (1624-1669), however, other portraits show her with a distinctive dimple in her chin. The portrait may show another of Murray's daughter's, possibly Margaret, later Lady Maynard (circa 1638-1682).