George Housman Thomas (1824-68)
The Investiture of the Sultan with the Order of the Garter, 17 July 1867 1867-68
Oil on canvas | 45.9 x 66.5 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406336
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The Investiture ceremony took place on board the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert during the naval review, held in appalling weather. Abd-ul-Aziz (8 February 1830 – 4 June 1876) had succeeded his brother Abd-ul-Mejid as Sultan in 1861. The Sultan was, in the Queen's words 'very uncomfortable' at sea and 'was continually retiring below'. The Queen noted that Abdulaziz received the Garter 'which he had very much set his heart upon, though I should have preferred the Star of India'.
In the painting the Queen is investing the Sultan with the insignia of the Order. Behind her on the left stand the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Arthur, Prince Leopold, Prince Louis of Hesse and Princess Beatrice, with three Ladies in Waiting. The Sultan's son, Şehzade Yusuf Izzeddin (1857 – 1916) stands near him.
Signed: George H. Thomas. Inscribed on the back with the name of the artist and the subject.Provenance
Painted for Queen Victoria; recorded on the Principal Floor (Room no 229) at Windsor Castle in 1878
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Subject(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
45.9 x 66.5 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
64.5 x 85.7 x 5.1 cm (frame, external)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
The Investiture of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz of Turkey with the Order of the Garter, 17 July 1867
