Sir Godfrey Kneller was a prominent portrait painter in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was born in Germany but spent much of his career in England, where he became the leading portrait painter of his time. Kneller was known for his skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects, and he painted portraits of many notable figures, including members of the royal family and other prominent individuals. His work is highly regarded for its elegance and refinement, and he had a significant influence on the development of English portraiture during his lifetime.