Caroline, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte

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Caroline, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte
ArtistThomas Lawrence
Year1801
TypeOil on canvas, portrait
Dimensions302.2 cm × 203.2 cm (119.0 in × 80.0 in)
LocationRoyal Collection, Buckingham Palace, London

Caroline, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte is an 1801 portrait by the British artist Sir Thomas Lawrence depicting Caroline, Princess of Wales and her daughter Charlotte of Wales, then second in line to the throne after her father George, Prince of Wales who was the eldest son of George III. By this stage in their marriage Caroline and her husband were estranged and effectively separated.[1]

The painting was commissioned by Lady Townshend, Mistress of the Robes to Caroline.[2] Caroline was taking lessons on the harp and is portrayed tuning the instrument while Charlotte holds out a sheet of music towards her mother.[3] It was exhibited to popular acclaim at the 1802 Royal Academy summer exhibition.[4]

The painting of the work by Lawrence later became the subject of some controversy.[5] During the portrait's completion he had sometimes stayed overnight at Caroline's home Montagu House in Blackheath. During 1806 the delicate investigation was launched by Caroline's husband George in an effort to gain evidence to secure him a divorce. Lawrence was, along with several others figures including the politician George Canning, accused of having an affair with Caroline. Lawrence submitted an affidavit in order to clear his name.[6] The investigation ultimately concluded that there was insufficient evidence to proceed. The painting remained in Caroline's possession until her death in 1821 and was later acquired by Queen Victoria, first cousin of Princess Charlotte.[7]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Royal Collection Trust
  2. ^ Stott p.80
  3. ^ Stott p.80-81
  4. ^ Stott p.81
  5. ^ Ambrose p.77
  6. ^ Levey p.149
  7. ^ Stott p.81

Bibliography[edit]

  • Ambrose, Tom. Prinny and His Pals: George IV and His Remarkable Gift of Friendship. Peter Owen, 2009.
  • Fraser, Flora. The Unruly Queen: The Life of Queen Caroline. A&C Black, 2012.
  • Levey, Michael. Sir Thomas Lawrence. Yale University Press, 2005.
  • Plowden, Alison. Caroline and Charlotte: Regency Scandals. The History Press, 2011.
  • Stott, Anne. The Lost Queen: The Life and Tragedy of the Prince Regent's Daughter. Pen and Sword History, 2020.
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