Painting of the Day: Prince Arthur, 1852

Prince Arthur
Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1852
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873) was a favorite of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria who often commissioned the artist to produce family scenes which included the Royal children and pets—specialties of the painter.

The German-born Winterhalter had been brought to Queen Victoria’s attention by the Queen of the Belgians in 1842. He worked for the Royal Court until his death.

This handsome portrait by Winterhalter was completed in 1852. It depicts Prince Arthur (1850–1942), the third son and seventh of the nine children of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. Prince Arthur depicted seated, holding a soldier doll. A copy of the portrait was made by Winterhalter by command of Queen Victoria who presented it to Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington on the occasion of the Prince’s birthday.

We should remember that in the mid-Nineteenth Century, little boys were still being attired in what is essentially a dress.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Franz Winterhalter’s “The First of May,” 1851

The First of May
Franz Winterhalter, 1851
The Royal Collection

May 1, 1851 was an important day in the life of Queen Victoria. And, so, as one does, she commissioned Franz Xaver Winterhalter to paint a commemorative portrait befitting the occasion.

The date marked the first anniversary of the birth of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught (future father of the Prince Arthur who was given the “Merman” mentioned below) as well as the eighty-second birthday of Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington. Not only that, but it was the opening day of The Great Exhibition!

Winterhalter’s composition purposefully reminds us of Italian Baroque scenes of the “Adoration of the Magi,” as we see the Duke of Wellington from behind presenting Lilies of the Valley to the infant Prince who is held firmly in Queen Victoria’s arms. Lilies of the Valley were a traditional gift on May Day—given for good luck.

As usual, Winterhalter has done an a remarkable job with the painting. While an idealized look at this trio, it is nonetheless realistic. 

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust

Click image to enlarge.

Painting of the Day: "Simplicity" by Hermann Winterhalter, 1843

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This painting, acquired by Queen Victoria for Prince Albert in 1843 is one of a set of four by Hermann Winterhalter, the brother of Franz Xaver Winterhalter--one of the most beloved painters of Victoria's court.  The set depicts the "Virtues."  This one shows "Simplicity."  The other three are "La Naïveté" "L’Innocence" and "La Pudeur"  

By all accounts, Her Majesty was pleased withe with the work of Hermann Winterhalter, even describing this particular work in her journal as being a, "very pretty painting."

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: Procrastination

"I know you're stalling.  Just get up and get my dinner."

Image:  Contemplation, Creator: Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873), Creation Date: Signed and dated 1847, Materials: Oil on canvas, Provenance: Presented to Prince Albert by Queen Victoria at Christmas 1847.  Crown Copyright, The Royal Collection, Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To learn more about this painting, visit The Royal Collection.

You know you want to have a Bertie Dog mug, tee-shirt, tote bag or water bottle. You know you do. So, take a look at our online store. 

Painting of the Day: Study of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in Costumes of the Time of Charles II, 1851

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in Fancy Dress
Franz Zaver Winterhalter, 1851
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection 
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

From the Royal Collection, this 1853 oil sketch by Queen Victoria’s preferred portraitist Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73) depicts Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in fancy dress. Their Majesties attended a costume ball with the theme of “The Time of Charles II.”

Prince Albert insisted that his costume be made entirely of British materials to show his support of textile trade. The Queen’s costume was designed by the celebrated French artist Eugène Lami. In her journal, after the ball, on July 13, 1851, Queen Victoria wrote:

... My costume was of grey moiré antique, ornamented with gold lace, - a very long waist & sleeves trimmed with old lace. The petticoat showing under the dress which was all open in front, was of rich gold and silver brocade (Indian manufacture) richly trimmed with silver lace... In my hair I wore an arrangement of pearls. The shoes and gloves were embroidered to match the dress.

Painting of the Day: Franz Winterhalter’s “The First of May,” 1851

The First of May
Franz Winterhalter, 1851
The Royal Collection

May 1, 1851 was an important day in the life of Queen Victoria. And, so, as one does, she commissioned Franz Xaver Winterhalter to paint a commemorative portrait befitting the occasion.


The date marked the first anniversary of the birth of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught as well as the eighty-second birthday of Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington. Not only that, but it was the opening day of The Great Exhibition!

Winterhalter’s composition purposefully reminds us of Italian Baroque scenes of the “Adoration of the Magi,” as we see the Duke of Wellington from behind presenting Lilies of the Valley to the infant Prince who is held firmly in Queen Victoria’s arms. Lilies of the Valley were a traditional gift on May Day—given for good luck.

As usual, Winterhalter has done an a remarkable job with the painting. While an idealized look at this trio, it is nonetheless realistic. 

Painting of the Day: Prince Arthur, 1852

Prince Arthur
Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1852
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873) was a favorite of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria who often commissioned the artist to produce family scenes which included the Royal children and pets—specialties of the painter.

The German-born Winterhalter had been brought to Queen Victoria’s attention by the Queen of the Belgians in 1842. He worked for the Royal Court until his death.

This handsome portrait by Winterhalter was completed in 1852. It depicts Prince Arthur (1850–1942), the third son and seventh of the nine children of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. Prince Arthur depicted seated, holding a soldier doll. A copy of the portrait was made by Winterhalter by command of Queen Victoria who presented it to Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington on the occasion of the Prince’s birthday.

We should remember that in the mid-Nineteenth Century, little boys were still being attired in what is essentially a dress.

Painting of the Day: Prince Arthur, 1852

Prince Arthur
Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1852
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873) was a favorite of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria who often commissioned the artist to produce family scenes which included the Royal children and pets—specialties of the painter.

The German-born Winterhalter had been brought to Queen Victoria’s attention by the Queen of the Belgians in 1842. He worked for the Royal Court until his death.

This handsome portrait by Winterhalter was completed in 1852. It depicts Prince Arthur (1850–1942), the third son and seventh of the nine children of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. Prince Arthur depicted seated, holding a soldier doll. A copy of the portrait was made by Winterhalter by command of Queen Victoria who presented it to Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington on the occasion of the Prince’s birthday.

We should remember that in the mid-Nineteenth Century, little boys were still being attired in what is essentially a dress.

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture, Caption Contest: Two and a Half Berties

Let’s have a Bertie Dog caption contest. What would Bertie be saying at this moment? Answers in the comments section, please.

Image: Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) with Prince Alfred, 1849, Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73), Crown Copyright, The Royal Collection, Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

You know you want to have a Bertie Dog mug, tee-shirt, tote bag or water bottle. You know you do. So, take a look at our online store. 

Painting of the Day: Study of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in Costumes of the Time of Charles II, 1851

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in Fancy Dress
Franz Zaver Winterhalter, 1851
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

From the Royal Collection, this 1853 oil sketch by Queen Victoria’s preferred portraitist Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73) depicts Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in fancy dress. Their Majesties attended a costume ball with the theme of “The Time of Charles II.”

Prince Albert insisted that his costume be made entirely of British materials to show his support of textile trade. The Queen’s costume was designed by the celebrated French artist Eugène Lami. In her journal, after the ball, on July 13, 1851, Queen Victoria wrote:

... My costume was of grey moiré antique, ornamented with gold lace, - a very long waist & sleeves trimmed with old lace. The petticoat showing under the dress which was all open in front, was of rich gold and silver brocade (Indian manufacture) richly trimmed with silver lace... In my hair I wore an arrangement of pearls. The shoes and gloves were embroidered to match the dress.

Antique Image of the Day: Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, 1859

Albert Edward, P. of Wales, 1859
After Winterhalter
J.H. Lynch, Lithographer
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Aw, look how cute and un-debauched he is. Here, we see Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales and future philanderer King Edward VII in a three-quarter-length portrait when a boy. He is wearing military uniform, a sword at his left side, and the star and sash of the Order of the Garter.

Produced in 1859, this lithograph of Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s eldest son was created by James Henry Lynch based on an original by Franz Xaver Winterhalter. It was printed by M. & N. Hanhart in London. It is marked, “Albert Edward P of Wales 1859/J. H. Lynch, Lith. M. & N. Hanhart Impt.”

Royal Pets: An Embroidered Portrait of King Edward VII as a Child, 1860

Embroidered Picture
Britain, 1860
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Based on a work by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, this embroidered portrait of the young Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) dates to 1860 and is the work of an unknown British lady.

The entire piece has been embroidered in wool tent-stitch and Berlin Woolwork on canvas. The young Prince is dressed in traditional Scottish attire. It was around this time that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert began to realize that their eldest son was no intellectual, and that he much preferred just about anything else to education.

Also seen here is one of Prince Albert’s dogs, who, by all accounts, the Queen probably preferred to the company of her adult son.

Painting of the Day: A Stickpin Portrait of Queen Victoria, 1850

Stickpin with Portrait of Queen Victoria
William Essex after Franz Xaver Winterhalter
English, 1850
Gold, Enamel
The Victoria & Albert Museum

When young Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, she was quickly celebrated for her grace and beauty. Images of the Queen became popular decorations and even found their way into the design of jewels. This gold stickpin (or scarf pin) features a portrait of the Queen based on the 1843 canvas by Franz Xaver Winterhalter.


The portrait, beautifully rendered in enamel, is the work of the miniaturist William Essex—much beloved of the Queen and Prince Albert. Essex has taken great care to painstakingly reproduce one of the Queen’s favorite portraits.

Painting of the Day: Queen Victoria’s Wedding Portrait, 1838

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert mark the anniversary
of their February 10, 1840 wedding with this recreation
of the day.  Victoria bemoaned the fact that
photographic technology had not advanced to the point
that she could have been photographed on her
actual wedding day, and so, later, these pictures
were staged.
The Royal Collection

On February 10, 1840, Queen Victoria married her much-beloved cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Victoria was as overwhelmed by her love for Albert as he was for his love for her. They delighted in presenting one another with lavish gifts and tokens of their affection.


For their seventh wedding anniversary in 1847, the Queen commissioned Franz Xaver Winterhalter to create a portrait of Her Majesty in her wedding dress. The dress, which remains perfectly intact today, of ivory silk was adorned with orange blossoms. Among the jewels she wore on her wedding day was a magnificent sapphire and diamond brooch which had been a gift from Albert a day earlier.

Victoria sat for Winterhalter, carefully recreating the look of her wedding attire. She is painted as a young bride. Her hopeful look and expectant eyes show that seven years after her marriage, she was as much in love with Albert as she was the day of their wedding.

Queen Victoria in her Wedding Dress
Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1847
Commissioned by Queen Victoria
(notice the sapphire brooch)
The Royal Collection

Painting of the Day: Leopold, King of the Belgians, Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1846

Leopold I, King of the Belgians
Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1846
The Royal Collection

Leopold I, King of the Belgians was one of Queen Victoria’s most cherished relatives.  This beloved uncle was instrumental in arranging her marriage to Prince Albert.  Leopold’s fondness for Victoria was very evident in everything that he did for her—often sending her gifts and other sweet tokens of his uvuncular admiration.  In 1846, he sent Victoria this portrait of himself—painted by one of Victoria’s favorite painters, Franz Xaver Winterhalter. 

Painting of the Day: Franz Winterhalter’s “The First of May,” 1851

The First of May
Franz Winterhalter, 1851
The Royal Collection

May 1, 1851 was an important day in the life of Queen Victoria. And, so, as one does, she commissioned Franz Xaver Winterhalter to paint a commemorative portrait befitting the occasion.


The date marked the first anniversary of the birth of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught (future father of the Prince Arthur who was given the “Merman” mentioned below) as well as the eighty-second birthday of Prince Arthur’s godfather, the Duke of Wellington. Not only that, but it was the opening day of The Great Exhibition!

Winterhalter’s composition purposefully reminds us of Italian Baroque scenes of the “Adoration of the Magi,” as we see the Duke of Wellington from behind presenting Lilies of the Valley to the infant Prince who is held firmly in Queen Victoria’s arms. Lilies of the Valley were a traditional gift on May Day—given for good luck.

As usual, Winterhalter has done an a remarkable job with the painting. While an idealized look at this trio, it is nonetheless realistic.

Painting of the Day: King Louis-Philippe de Bourbon by Franz Winterhalter

Louis-Philippe de Bourbon
Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Versailles

Celebrated portrait artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873) was commissioned to paint the most notable and powerful people of his day. Empress Eugenie, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were just a few of his notable sitters. His many portraits of Queen Victoria are some of the finest representations of the queen. As dynasties rose and fell and as kings and queens were succeeded by their heirs, Winterhalter remained the premier painter. He was considered the best. But, he didn’t do it alone. Winterhalter achieved the position of fashionable portrait artist to royalty after the influence of one particular royal—King Louis-Philippe of France.


King Louis-Philippe always stayed abreast of current trends in the arts. Winterhalter’s growing reputation in France made him a desirable commodity, so, the king appointed him official court painter. Winterhalter set about painting portraits of each member of Louis-Philippe’s large family—over thirty in total. This painting of Louis-Philippe himself shows Winterhalter’s fine hand and dramatic flare—the very qualities that kept him in fashion for so long.