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1 of 253523 objects
Princess Helena (1846-1923), later Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein 1860
Watercolour on ivory laid on card | 6.1 x 5.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 420329
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Although by 1860 Annie Dixon was well established as a miniature painter, this miniature was one of her earliest royal commissions. It does not yet display the fully confident style of which she was capable, although many of her characteristic hallmarks are evident, such as the warm flesh tones, particularly in the forehead, and the use of yellow in the sky. On 11 January 1860 Queen Victoria reported to the Princess Royal that 'Miss Dickson is painting heads (separate) of Lenchen & darling "Pinct Betiss" wh. will be very pretty' . When they were complete, she sent the miniatures of Helena and Beatrice (this miniature and 422018), together with one of Louise (420324) to her daughter for inspection. The Crown Princess was not impressed with the miniature of Princess Helena: 'I think them lovely, though I do not think Lenchen's like, she is a 1000 times prettier, I think the eyes too much drawn up at the corners'.
Provenance
Acquired by Queen Victoria from the artist in 1860
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory laid on card
Measurements
6.1 x 5.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
7.2 x 6.0 cm (frame, external)
Other number(s)
Vic Min : Remington, V., 2010. Victorian Miniatures in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen – Vic Min 231Cust 1910 : Cust, L., 1910. Windsor Castle: Portrait Miniatures, London – Cust 1910 20/15