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Prince Rupert, Count Palatine

(1619-1682), Soldier and patron of science; son of Frederick V, Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia and Elizabeth of Bohemia

Sitter associated with 45 portraits
Artist associated with 1 portrait
The third son of Frederick V and Elizabeth, the exiled King and Queen of Bohemia, Rupert was a nephew of King Charles I. A keen experimental scientist, he developed a range of inventions including a water pump, navigational instruments, gunpowder and an early machine gun. He was also a notable tennis player and one of the earliest mezzotint printmakers in England. These interests led to him becoming a founding Fellow of the Royal Society in 1664. Having gained extensive military experience abroad, he proved to be one of the most skilful and inspiring Royalist commanders in the Civil War, and was a successful naval commander against the Dutch after the Restoration. Due to his fear of Dutch trading dominance, Rupert helped gain royal patronage for the Royal African Company, which was given a monopoly over the British slave trade.

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