Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with Prince Alfred (1844-1900) and Princess Helena (1846-1923) Signed and dated 1847
Watercolour on ivory laid on parchment affixed to board | 45.2 x 33.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406891
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This miniature is unusual on the grounds of both iconography and size. Queen Victoria, portrayed as a Raphaelesque Madonna figure, carries Princess Helena, rendered as the Christ child, while Prince Alfred fulfils the role of the infant St John the Baptist, carrying his traditional reed staff. It was produced as a surprise gift to Prince Albert. Sittings began in May 1847 and the artist was still at work on the picture after it had been presented in August. The Queen wrote in her Journal on 17 November: 'Thorburn has brought back my miniature, finished & it is beautiful. My likeness seems very good, & he has made additions below and above. In the background are trees, & a deep blue sea, not unlike Osborne. I have got a fine piece of dark blue drapery round me, with a basket of flowers near me. The whole is splendidly coloured, & the drapery most carefully studied...'
Text adapted from Victoria and Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010Provenance
Commissioned by Queen Victoria (£319 10s, RA VIC/ ADD T/ 231/ 131) given to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria on his birthday, 26th August, 1847; recorded hanging in the Queen's Bedroom at Windsor Castle in 1878
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory laid on parchment affixed to board
Measurements
45.2 x 33.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
44.4 x 33.1 cm (sight)
58.3 x 48.1 x 6.4 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with Prince Alfred (1844-1900), later Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Helena (1846-1923), later Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, when children