Gold ring with a miniature of Charles I Miniature c. 1655; ring 17th c.
Gold and enamel | 1.6 x 0.8 cm (frame, external) | RCIN 422290
British School, 17th century
Gold ring with a miniature of Charles I Miniature c. 1655; ring 17th c.
British School, 17th century
Gold ring with a miniature of Charles I Miniature c. 1655; ring 17th c.
British School, 17th century
Gold ring with a miniature of Charles I Miniature c. 1655; ring 17th c.
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A posthumous portrait of Charles I, loosely based on the central head of the King from Anthony Van Dyck's portrait Charles I in Three Positions of 1635 (404420). Many such images in enamel, generally of poor quality, were produced for distribution to followers of the Royalist cause during the years 1649 – 60. Most were set into rings or lockets bearing the royal cipher with some sort of memorial inscription. A very similar enamel, of larger dimensions, set into a hinged enamel portrait box, is in the Royal Collection (420897).
Provenance
Possibly the memorial ring thought to have been given to Sir William Murray of Stanhope by Charles II in 1664, and purchased by Sir Richard Holmes for £17 on behalf of Queen Victoria on 13 November 1890 at the sale of items from the collection of Charles Augustus Howell (Christie, Manson & Woods [London], lot 298). The other possibility for the ring purchased by Holmes is RCIN 93479. First recorded in the Royal Collection during the reign of King George V
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold and enamel
Measurements
1.6 x 0.8 cm (frame, external)
2.2 x 2.0 x 0.9 cm (with fittings)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Charles I (1600-1649)