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After John Simpson (1782-1847)

Pedro IV of Portugal, Emperor of Brazil (1798-1834) 1834

Oil on canvas | 77.2 x 64.9 x 2.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 403708

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  • John Simpson was a British artist, primarily known for his portraits. He worked as an assistant for Thomas Lawrence and completed several portraits left unfinished in Lawrence's studio after his death. Simpson had been trained at the Royal Academy schools and exhibited there frequently. In 1834 he travelled to Portugal, where he was appointed painter to Queen Maria II, who had succeeded to the Portuguese throne after the abdication of her father in 1826, and ruled again from 1834 to 1853, spending the intervening years in exile in various courts of Europe, while her uncle (and fiancé) Miguel ruled as an absolutist King. While living in London she was painted by Lawrence (RCIN 401414). During this time Pedro continued to serve as Emperor Pedro I, first ruler of the Empire of Brazil, maintaining its independence from Portugal and ruling with a liberal ideology.

    Various versions of this portrait exist, several of which are believed to have been painted by Simpson during his time in Portugal. It is unclear however whether the artist arrived before Pedro's death in September of that year, and therefore whether the portraits he painted were from life or posthumous. Prime versions include a bust length portrait in the National Museum Soares dos Reis and a three-quarter length in the National Palace of Queluz - in all of them he wears the same dark military uniform with gold embroidery and prominent epaulettes. Around his neck is the Insignia of the Golden Fleece. The uppermost star on his chest refers to the Three Orders (a combination of the Great Crosses of the Military Orders of Christ, Avis and Santiago). The lower star represents the Military Order of the Tower and Sword, of Valour, Loyalty and Merit (Ordem Militar da Torre e Espada do Valor, Lealdade e Mérito) - an ancient military order reformed by Pedro in 1832. The silk sashes worn across his body also refer to these Orders, the uppermost being in stripes of green, red and purple, and the one beneath blue.
    Provenance

    First recorded in 1876 at Buckingham Palace

  • Medium and techniques

    Oil on canvas

    Measurements

    77.2 x 64.9 x 2.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)

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