Henrietta Maria (Princess Henrietta Maria of France) (1609-1669) Queen Consort of King Charles I

Sir Anthony van, (after) Dyck

Oil on canvas

c.1637-1650

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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: France
    City: Paris
    Place: British Embassy

    Henrietta Maria, the French wife of King Charles I, was the subject of several portraits by Anthony van Dyck, the leading court painter of the time. This is a copy of one of his finest paintings. It shows Henrietta wearing a deep yellow dress with lace collar and cuffs. The dress is richly decorated with pearls and a black ribbon is tied around her waist. The position of the Queen’s arms is an indication that she is pregnant. This is also suggested by her waistband, decorated with a rosette (flowers were often used as a symbol of fertility and motherhood) and by the tiny royal crown on the table by her side. The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, was born on 17 March 1637.

  • About the artist
    Sir Anthony van Dyck was born in Antwerp. Early in his career he was an assistant to Peter Paul Rubens. He first visited England between November 1620 and February 1621, where his work impressed King James I. He then travelled to Italy, staying until the autumn of 1627, before returning to Antwerp. During his time in Italy, van Dyck developed as a portrait painter, painting mostly wealthy merchant-princes. His style evolved under the influence of works by Titian and Veronese. In 1632 he returned to England, where he became 'Principal Painter in Ordinary' to Charles I. The following year he was knighted. His portraits of the royal family enhanced their prestige at home and abroad and his work had a profound influence on British portraiture.
  • Explore
    People
    Henrietta Maria (1609 - 1669)
    Places
    Subjects
    royal portrait, woman, 17th century costume, dress, sash, necklace, brooch, earring, pearls, wife, crown, Queen
    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting
  • Details
    Artist
    Sir Anthony van, (after) Dyck
    Title
    Henrietta Maria (Princess Henrietta Maria of France) (1609-1669) Queen Consort of King Charles I
    Date
    c.1637-1650
    Medium
    Oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    height: 100.00 cm, width: 82.50 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Christie's, 23 May 1958
    Provenance
    Collection of Archibald Ralph Montagu-Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Wharncliffe (1892-1953) of Wortley Hall, South Yorkshire; by whose trustees sold through Christie's, London, on 23 May 1958 (Lot 61); from which sale purchased by Richard Walker on behalf of the Ministry of Works
    GAC number
    4627