LEK
LEL
his Brethren to Pharaoh' and ' Jephthah's rash Vow,' an occasional exhibitor at the Academy. He early made a visit to the Continent, seeing the principal art galleries in France, Italy, and Germany. On his return he was occupied more with literature than art, and then he travelled again, principally to see Spain. In 1840 he re- sumed his contributions to the Academy, and continued to exhibit chiefly sacred sub- jects, and in the later years some portraits, up to 1849. He made many good sketches in a vigorous style, and, establishing an art school, became well known as a teacher. He died in London, April 20, 1860. He wrote * Cromwell: a Drama,' 1838; and 1 The Rhenish Album.'
LE KEUX, John, engraver. Was born in Bishopsgate, June 4, 1783, and was apprenticed to his father, a large pewter manufacturer. At about 17 years of age he tried k engraving on copper, and being encouraged by Basire, he was turned over to him for the remaining term of his apprenticeship. Under Basire he imbibed his master's taste for architectural subjects, and working in the line manner, refined upon his style, attaining both greater minuteness and freedom. 'Easby Abbey ' and 'Rome,' after Turner, R.A., are pro- bably his best works. He contributed, by his ability and taste, to the success of many of the publications of his day, and was largely engaged with Britton. He engraveaforhis 'Architectural Antiquities,' ' Cathedrals,' and other works ; for Pugin s
- Antiquities of Normandy.' * Gothic Speci-
mens and Gothic Examples ; ' for Neale's ' Memorials of Oxford ;' and other works of this class. His works are distinguished by great truth and refinement of finish. He died April 2, 1846. His eldest son, J. H. Le Keux, followed his art.
LE KEUX, Henry,, .engraver. Younger brother of the foregoing. Was born in 1787, and was articled to James Basire. He was first engaged upon Basire's large plates for the Society of Antiquaries and the 'Oxford Almanacs,' and afterwards on the illustrations for the ' Beauties of England and Wales;' and took a part with his brother in Britton's * Cathedrals.' Later, with Blore, he produced the * Monumental Remains.' He also engraved for the * For- get-me-not,' and some other of the annuals, after Martin and Prout. and after Turner for Rogers' ' Poems.' He was a member of the Associated Society of Engravers, and one 'of his last works was Claude's ' Em- barkation of St. Ursula' for that Society. He left his profession about 1838, and retired to Booking, in Essex, where he joined in a crape manufactory ; and after 30 years died there, October 11, 1868. He worked in the line manner, was unassisted
by pupils, and his productions are models of industrious painstaking. • LELY, Sir Peter, Bart., portrait paint- er. Was born 1617, at Soest, in West- phalia, the son of a captain of infantry, who changed the name of Van der Vaas to Lely, and studied art under Peter de Grebber at Haerlem. He came to England at the age of 24, and painted history and landscape ; but Yandyck had just then died, and he soon found there was a place open for him, and much better encouragement, as a por- trait painter. He was introduced to Charles I., whose portrait he painted. He also painted Cromwell's portrait; and on the Restoration was favoured by Charles II., who appointed him his principal painter, made him a baronet in January 1679-80, and was pleased by his conversation. For more than 30 years he stood alone as the popular painter, and all that were eminent and distinguished sat to him. By this great practice he acquired a considerable fortune. He married an English lady of family, but her name cannot now be traced. He had a town house and a house at Kew, where he had purchased an estate. He kept a handsome table, and is described by Pepys as ' a mighty proud man, and full of state.' His society was sought by men of the greatest eminence. He lived for some years in Drury Lane, and from 1662 to 1680 in the Piazza, Covent Garden. Here he died of apoplexy, November 30. in the latter year, and was buried in the adjoining church of St. Paul. His monument, with a bust by Gibbons, was destroyed by fire when the church was burnt down in 1795. He left a son and a daughter, who died under age. His large collection of pictures and drawings were sold by an auction which lasted 40 days, and produced 26,0001. The drawings in his collection were all marked ' P. L.' His estate was worth 90OJ. a year, and went to a nephew in Holland. From the records of the Free Society of Artists, it appears that the widow of John Lelt, his grandson, who died November 25, 1728, and who was a face-painter, fell into great distress, and solicited the charity of the Society ; and that she afterwards found a refuse in Megg's Almshouses, Mile End.
His portraits, though meretricious and slight, had many good qualities. They are pleasing in colour, freely executed, and well drawn, particularly the hands; but they want individuality and character, are affected, and too frequently revel in un- meaning allegory. The eyes of his females have a drowsy languor, which became quite a mannerism. He designed in Indian ink, touching in the high lights with white. There are some drawings by him in crayons and a few in water-colour. His ' Beauties ' at Hampton Court are well known, and are good examples of his art. There are some
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