Queen Victoria (1819-1901) Signed and dated 1856
Oil on canvas | 110.9 x 92.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405278
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Queen Victoria gave this portrait to Prince Albert in exchange for one of him on horseback by the same artist (RCIN 405279). The Queen wrote in her Journal, 'Dearest Albert gave me a pretty picture of himself, in uniform, on horseback, by Boutibonne and Herring…My gifts were a picture of myself, in uniform, on horseback as a pendant'.
She is wearing a uniform based on that of a Field-Marshal and riding a horse which may be Koorshed, an Arabian given to Prince Albert in 1846 by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeboy. In the background are three officers and some troops who are firing a salute or making a mock charge. John Frederick Herring collaborated on several occasions with Boutibonne, painting the horses while the French artist painted the figures. Boutibonne's widow recalled in 1897 how two horses had been sent to Herring's property on the outskirts of London, despite protests from the Royal Mews, so that he could paint them for these portraits. The original position of the horse's head has been lowered.
Signed and dated: 'E Boutibonne. 1856.'Provenance
Given to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria on his birthday, 26th August 1856 [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 460]
(Queen Victoria's acquisitions 1856) -
Creator(s)
(artists' materials maker)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
110.9 x 92.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
148.2 x 128.6 x 15.7 cm (frame, external)