Caroline of Ansbach (1683-1737) c.1730
Oil on canvas | 238.9 x 146.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406182
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Seeman was an artist of Dutch extraction born in London who worked for George II and Frederick, Prince of Wales, but whose output is represented in the Royal Collection by versions of just two images – official portraits of George II and Queen Caroline (OM 508 and 511, 405678 and 406182), probably created soon after their accession in c. 1730.
This is probably the original of the portrait of the Queen and part of the pair (OM 508 and 511), recorded hanging in a set of royal full-lengths at the Queen’s Gallery in Kensington. The pair became separated when the King was employed as one of the set of reigning monarchs (without consorts) for St George’s Hall, Windsor, where it still hangs. This paintings was sent to Hampton Court where it remains.
The Queen is shown resting her right hand on a table with her crown and sceptre; wearing robes of state which she draws up with her left hand.Provenance
Presumably commissioned by George II, with his own portrait (405678); its subsequent history is confused by copies of the royal pair (405891 & 406760); this picture is probably the full length recorded in the Queen's Gallery at Kensington in 1732; taken with its pair to Windsor Castle in 1795 (no 6); listed there in the King's Presence Chamber in 1816, where it can be seen in Pyne's illustrated Royal Residences of 1819 (RCIN 922110); separated from its pair and moved to the Prince of Wales's Presence Chamber at Hampton Court in 1835 (no 477); in the Queen's Private Chamber at Hampton Court in 1861 (no 784)
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Creator(s)
(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
238.9 x 146.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
258.2 x 171.9 x 5.0 cm (frame, external)