The Painting
This painting shows Elizabeth Percy, one of the richest and most powerful women of her time, standing proudly with her young son, Algernon. She is dressed in an elegant red gown, and the rich colours and fine details tell us about her wealth and high status. Around her are signs of luxury, reminding us that she owned grand houses filled with beautiful objects. Elizabeth stands confidently, showing that she was used to being in charge and making important decisions. Her son is placed close to her, suggesting family, inheritance, and the future. Like the song, the painting celebrates power, confidence, and a life of grandeur.
The Artist
John Closterman (1660–1711)
Where he lived: Born in Osnabrück, Germany; worked in London, England
Style: Closterman painted grand portraits of rich and powerful people. His paintings are known for bold colours, luxurious textures, and showing the importance of his subjects.
Why he’s important: He captured the power and wealth of aristocratic families, often including children and family members to tell a story about status and inheritance.
Lesson Plan
Looking Closely
1
What details in the painting show that Elizabeth Percy is very wealthy?
How does the artist use colour, especially red, to draw your attention?
Where is her son placed, and why do you think he is included?
Connecting to the Song
2
The song says “I’m the richest woman of them all.” What parts of the painting support this idea?
How does Elizabeth’s pose or expression show confidence and authority?
The song mentions her grand house. What clues in the painting suggest a luxurious home?
Thinking and Imagining
3
Why do you think Elizabeth Percy wanted to be painted like this?
What does this portrait tell us about how powerful women wanted to be seen at the time?
How might her son feel standing beside her in this painting?
Creative Response
4
Imagine Elizabeth is giving a tour of her house. What would she show first?
Choose one word to describe Elizabeth Percy and explain your choice.
If you added another verse to the song, what part of her life would you sing about?
EASEBOURNE School
Year 5 - Foxes
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I’m the richest woman of them all
I have Gilt-framed paintings upon my wall
Fabulous china pots sit on my floor
And the finest red carpet lines the corridorI built my house on lush green land
Towering over the town,
Everyone knows I’m really grand
With my beautiful red silk gown.I had three husbands, regal and tall,
But I have the power to rule them all,
A trustworthy confidant to Queen Anne,
When she needs good advice, I can be her right handI built my house on lush green land
Towering over the town,
Everyone knows I’m really grand
With my beautiful red silk gown. -