Carl II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, later Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1741-1816) c.1765
Oil on canvas | 112.0 x 88.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405831
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Charles II was ruler of the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz from 1794 until his death, first under the title of Duke, then assuming the rank of Grand Duke in 1815. He had previously served as Governor of Hanover from 1776 to 1786. In 1768 Charles married Princess Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt, with whom he had ten children. An enlightened ruler, Charles introduced agricultural reforms, a new police force, and made education compulsory for the first time.
The Duke is shown riding a chestnut horse; he wears a cocked hat with military uniform; in the background cavalry contingents are crossing a bridge across a wide river.Provenance
First recorded in the Store at Carlton House in 1816 (465) and again in 1819 (no 361, valued at 10 guineas); removed to Windsor Castle on 2nd October 1823; recorded there in 1858 (Room 331)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
112.0 x 88.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
130.9 x 107.4 x 7.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Subject(s)
Alternative title(s)
Charles II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, later Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1741-1816)
Charles, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1708-1752), previously identified as