A Prince of Wales was never King...
30th September 2024
The sitter in this portrait may not be immediately familiar but he was born to be King. “He is Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King James I, who was also James VI of Scotland. We see him here as a child, perhaps seven or eight years old, wearing a richly brocaded tunic, a garment so favoured that it is shown in other portraits of him, looking boyishly innocent but yet alert and eager. A large hat is visible under his left arm, as though he may be preparing to go out His cheeks show the rosy tint of cherubic innocence but they also indicate the good health that was by no means a guarantee afforded even to an heir apparent. The artist is an unknown hand working closely in the style of Robert Peake (c.1551-1619). Peake himself bore the title of `Picturemaker` to the Prince. Tragically, Henry succumbed to typhoid fever in 1612, aged just 18.
He was succeeded to the title by his younger brother Charles, later King Charles I, in 1625. This portrait, which blends historical content, decorative appeal and a strong sense of character was formerly in the collection of Lord Thurso in Caithness. It was purchased in Scotland by our client in 1993. Estimated at £9,375 (inc. BP)
