Henry, Prince of Wales (1594-1612) c.1607
Watercolour on vellum laid on card | 3.4 x 2.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 420893
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Henry, Prince of Wales, is depicted wearing a white half-armour consisting of cuirass, gorget and arm defences decorated with bands of scroll work and further enriched with gilt piccadils which remains in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. It is the same armour in which he is seen in Hilliard's miniature of 1607 (420642) and the present miniature must also date from this period. However, the Prince of Wales's feathers, which appear on the reverse of the card against a black ground, with a monogram HFP in gold under a coronet and the motto ICH DIEN on a blue scroll, have been used by Strong to argue for a later date of 1610, the year in which Prince Henry was created Prince of Wales. Smaller and simpler in composition than its dated counterpart, the present miniature may perhaps originally have been framed in a decorative or jewelled locket.
Provenance
Originally in the Royal Collection until 1688 when taken to France by James II; purchased by King George VI for the Royal Collection at Christie's sale, 16 February 1949 (lot 102)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on vellum laid on card
Measurements
3.4 x 2.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
3.5 x 3.1 cm (frame, external)
3.2 x 2.6 cm (sight)
Other number(s)