Wilhelmine, Margravine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (1709-1758) when a Child c.1714
Oil on canvas | 136.3 x 103.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406362
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This portrait is first recorded in the collection in the Privy Chamber at Kensington Palace in 1818 where it is described as ‘Maingaud, Full length Portrait of a Child with a Dog’. The painting appears in the same room (then called ‘Queen Caroline's Drawing Room’) in Pyne's illustrated 'Royal Residences' of 1819 (RCIN 922151).
The sitter appears as a Princess partially wrapped in the ermine-lined robes of the Prussian monarchy, decorated with a ring of crowns (embroidered in gold thread). Assuming that she is roughly five years old, the portrait must date from 1714; it was presumably acquired at this time by the sitter’s grandfather, George I, who came into his British possessions in that year. The portrait has a characteristic blend of dynastic formality – the architecture and various draperies – and childish informality – the direct stare, the playful dog and blossoms falling from her lap.
The style of the painting does resembles the work of Martin Maingaud (active 1692-1725), a French artist and imitator of Philippe Mercier (1689-1760), who worked in Germany for the Elector of Bavaria. A few years later in 1718-20, he executed portraits of Frederick, Prince of Wales (at one time a possible husband), and other children of George II (see OM 514-6, 404984-6).
In 1731, Princess Wilhelmine married Frederick, Margave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth; as a gifted composer and generous patron she built the rococo opera house in Bayreuth and initiated that city’s association with music.Provenance
First recorded in Kensington Palace in 1818
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
136.3 x 103.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
160.5 x 128.2 x 11.0 cm (frame, external)