Antique Image of the Day: "Prince Arthur in Fancy Costume," 1870

Prince Arthur in Fancy Dress
William Notman, 1870
The Royal Collection

The son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Arthur grew to be a spirited lad and a young man who enjoyed a good party. When stationed in Canada, at the age of 20, Prince Arthur attended many a soiree, often in fancy dress.  For this particular occasion, he seems to have styled himself as King Charles I—a curious choice, indeed.  However, doesn’t he look quite pleased with himself in this photo taken by William Notman in January of 1870?  One wonders what was going through his mind at that moment.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Drawing of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, 1882

Duke of Connaught and Guards Brigade Entering Alexandria
Melton Prior, 1882
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Today, we’ll get a look, in honor of little George Alexander Louis, at some other famous princes.  Let's begin with the son of Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, also called Arthur (styled as Prince Arthur of Connaught). Like his father, Prince Arthur of Connaught enjoyed a distinguished military career and served as a valued aid to his cousin (another of Victoria’s grandson’s) King George V and Queen Mary (Mary of Teck).

However, in many ways Prince Arthur of Connaught was always in the shadow of his celebrated father, the Duke who outlived his son by four years. The Duke of Connaught was doubtlessly a military hero and the subject of many works of art.

Here’s one. This drawing from the Victoria & Albert Museum shows the Duke of Connaught in 1882 (a year before the birth of his son and namesake) as he enters Egypt with his troops. The drawing is entitled, “The Duke of Connaught and Guards Brigade Entering Alexandria.” Rendered in 1882, this pencil drawing is heightened by white accents and is the work of the famed Melton Prior.

Mastery of Design: The "Prince of Wales Feathers" Brooch, 1842

Brooch
1841-1842
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

I've written at length about Prince Albert's fondness for showering his Royal wife with lavish gifts.  He especially enjoyed doing so after the births of their nine children.  Given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert on February 10, 1842, this handsome brooch was meant to mark the occasion of the Prince of Wales's (later King Edward VII) birth, which had taken place on November 9. 1841.

The gold brooch takes the form of Prince of Wales feathers, symbol of the Prince, enamelled white above a base set with pearls emeralds and rubies.  Below the feathers is a ribbon with ICH DIEN in gold.  Meaning, "I Serve," these words typically adorn the heraldry of the Prince of Wales.

Gifts of Grandeur: A Doe and Three Baby Rabbits

Doe and Three Baby Rabbits
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Another sculpture from the opulent menagerie in miniature started by Queen Alexandra (consort of King Edward VII) is this mother rabbit and her three babies, created by Carl Fabergé circa 1907.  The group was purchased by Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia (1854-1920) from Fabergé's London branch, on November 20, 1913 and, is thought to have been presented by the Grand Duchess to Queen Alexandra on her birthday, December 1 of that year.

This doe and three baby rabbits are carved from a single piece of agate and their eyes set with rose diamonds. As was usually the case with Fabergé's animals, the bunnies are  beautifully and realistically carved.  

Masterpiece of the Week: Portrait of a Baby, possibly Prince Edward (1767-1820), later Duke of Kent

Portrait of a Baby, Possibly Prince Edward
c. 1769
Francis Cotes
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Painted by Francis Cotes (1726-70), circa 1768-1769, this work of oil on canvas was first recorded in the Royal Collection during the reign of Queen Victoria.  

The identity of the infant sitter has long been something of a mystery, however, most believe that the child is Prince Edward since his 1767 birth coincides with the creation of the painting.  Furthermore, Eighteenth Century inventories of the palaces at Kensington and Kew refer to portraits of Prince Edward by "Coates."

Regardless of his identity, the baby is a cheeky boy, impersonating Cupid--complete with faux wings, a quiver of arrows and a theatrical floral garland.  During this period, artists such as Reynolds were employing this sort of "mock-mythology" in portraits of young ladies, but, if the attributed date of the painting is to be trusted, we can see that Cotes was among the first to adopt the idea in the representation of infants.

Sculpture of the Day: A Kangaroo and its Baby by Carl Fabergé, 1913

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

In November of 1913, King George V purchased this carving by Carl Fabergé from Fabergé's London branch as a gift for his wife, Queen Mary. The humorous carving of a kangaroo and baby cost the King £23.

Like her mother-in-law, Queen Alexandra, before her, Queen Mary collected the extraordinary range of animals that Fabergé produced. The sculpture is made of Siberian nephrite rather than a more realistically-colored stone for a whimsical effect.  However, Fabergé, as always took great care in representing the anatomy of the animal as accurately as possible, even setting the eyes with rose-cut diamonds.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 357

When last we visited No. 65 Belgrave Square, the residents above and below stairs were celebrating the impending nuptials of Gamilla and Gerard Gurney.  The Duke/Mr. Punch and his companion, Dr. Robert Halifax, First Baron Colinshire had organized a little "bachelor party" for Gerard, the doctor's valet.  Meanwhile, The Duke's sister, Lennie, Lady Fallbridge,  had conspired with the female staff to throw a shower for Gamilla.  After the celebrations, with the house quiet, Gerard and Gamilla shared a private dance before parting.  Little did anyone know, but the nursery maid, Ruthy, had been talking with the Duke's enemy, Ulrika Rittenhouse who had been urged by Orpha Polk, mother of a pair of conjoined twins whom Ulrika and Orpha considered a "demon god."  The twins, known by the single name, Marduk, were gravely ill, and Orpha was convinced that the only salvation was a sacrifice.

And so...


Chapter 357
The Wedding Morning


"Good heavens, man."  Robert laughed as he rubbed his eyes, sitting up in bed.  "Don't you know you aren't to be working today?"

Gerard shook his head nervously.  "Couldn't help it, Your Lordship.  Had to do somethin'."

"Gerard..."  Mr. Punch inhaled loudly, rolling over.  He patted Robert on the shoulder.  "Is that Gerard, chum?"

"It is, dear Punch."  Robert smiled.

Punch squinted.  "Don't he know it's 'is weddin' day?"

"I suspect that he does."  Robert yawned.

"Here,"  Punch mumbled to Gerard, "Ain't you meant to be gettin' ready for your weddin', then?"

Gerard couldn't help but chuckle.  "I'm as ready as I can be, Your Grace.  I thought I should carry on with my duties."

"Charles is quite capable of looking after both of us."  Robert stretched.

"I know, Sir.  Only I'll be gone on me weddin' trip for two weeks and I thought I should like to serve you once more before that."  Gerard replied.

Robert smiled.  "Very well.  You can fetch my dressing gown."

"Good, Your Lordship."  Gerard nodded.  "I saw Charles in the 'all just a moment ago.  He'll be up straight away to get your dressed Your Grace while I look after Dr. Halifax."

Punch sighed.  "Lord Colinshire and me are actually able to dress ourselves.  You oughta be downstairs with your friends.  You and Charles both."

"But, Your Grace.  I'm upstairs with my friends."  Gerard replied honestly.

Robert and Punch exchanged pleased glances.

"Thank you, Gerry."  Punch nodded.  "Here, 'ave you had breakfast?"

"Oh, yes."  Gerard smiled.  "Mrs. Pepper filled me up proper, she did."

"Glad of it."  Punch nodded.  "What of Gamilla?  How is she today?"

"Oh, dear Punch..."  Robert shook his head.  "Gerard and Gamilla aren't to see one another until Gamilla is delivered to him at the church."

"I forgot."  Punch nodded.  "Did she eat?"

"Vi brought up a tray.  Ruthy's in the day nursery.  She said Gamilla's not come out of her rooms yet."

"That's strange."  Robert slipped into his dressing gown.  "She's usually the first to get to Colin."

"I s'pect she's packin' and re-packin' 'er things or fussin' over her gown."  Punch grinned.

"Miss Lennie..."  Gerard began, pausing to correct himself, "Lady Fallbridge, that is, was headed up to the nursery as I was comin' in here.  Said she and Vi would help Gamilla get herself ready."

"Coo.  I can't wait to see how beautiful our Gamilla looks in her gown."  Punch replied.

"Nor I, your Grace.  Nor I."  Gerard beamed.

When the men heard the knock on the door, they expected Charles to enter as he did each morning when he and Gerard helped the Duke and Baron Colinshire respectively prepare for the day.

However, they were surprised to see Lennie enter the room.  She looked at the floor.  "Is everyone dressed?"

"Yes, Lennie, dear."  Punch said.  "What brings you in so early?"

"Well...I...I've just been in the nursery suite..."

"How is the bride to be?"  Robert asked.

"I don't know."  Lennie answered quickly.

"All at sixes and sevens?"  Robert smiled.

"No.  Well, maybe.  She's not there."

"Not there?"  Gerard turned quickly.

"No.  Her bed's not been slept in either."

Gerard turned around.  "Your Grace?"

"I'm sure it's nothing."  Robert said quickly.  "She might have popped over to pick up something from one of the shops."

"This early?"  Punch asked.

"Or just gone on a walk to calm her nerves."  Robert continued.

"Gamilla wouldn't leave the 'ouse without askin' permission or at least tellin' Mr. Speaight ot Mrs. Pepper that she left."  Gerard shook his head.

"No, she wouldn't."  Lennie agreed.

Punch's eyes widened.  "That right."  He grabbed his dressing gown and headed for the door.

"Wait."  Robert said.  "I'll come with you."

"So will I."  Gerard spoke up.

"No, no."  Lennie shook her head.  "Why don't you come into the library with me.  It's not good luck to see the bride..."

"But, ain't good luck if she's been taken!"  Gerard snapped.  He blushed.  "I'm sorry, Your Ladyship."

"I understand."  Lennie said softly.  "Just come with me.  Let the Duke and Lord Colinshire investigate.  As he said, there's probably a very reasonable answer."

"There never is, Miss Lennie."  Gerard shook his head.  "There never is."



Did you miss Chapters 1-356 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square?  If so, you can read them here.  I will be getting the Chapter Archive up to date this week.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 358.