Duke Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and his sons, Prince Leopold and Prince Augustus Signed and dated 1842
Oil on canvas board | 23.6 x 33.7 x 0.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404319
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This painting is a sketch for the portraits of the Duke and his sons to be included in the artist's picture of the Christening of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (RCIN 403501), Queen Victoria's eldest son. The heads are in exactly the same positions as in the finished picture.
Duke Ferdinand was the second surviving son of Franz Friedrich Anton, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and uncle of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. When he died his younger brother, Leopold I, wrote of him that he 'has not been always judged with that kindness which he deserved, he was affectionate and trustworthy and steady in his affections'.
Prince Leopold had stayed with Queen Victoria in 1839, when she found him lively, intelligent, good-tempered and charming. He later became Major-General in the Austrian army. The Queen judged Prince Augustus as affectionate, good-natured and sensible. At the Revolution in France in 1848 he came to England with his family, and served with distinction in the Austrian and Saxon armies.
On the back is a label, in the hand of the artist: 'Their Serene Highnesses / Duke Ferdinand of Saxe Coburg, / and his sons. Augustus, and Leopold, / sketch's for the general complexion / to assist in the life size drawings. / of them, made by me at Brighton / 1842, as studies for the picture of the / Christening The Prince of Wales. G Hayter.'Provenance
Painted for Queen Victoria
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Creator(s)
Commissioner(s)
Subject(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas board
Measurements
23.6 x 33.7 x 0.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 17609 (ex)Alternative title(s)
Duke Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1785-1851) and his sons, Prince Leopold (1824-1884) and Prince August (1818-1881)