King Charles II

King Charles II

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 1630
47 1/2 in. x 36 3/4 in. (1207 mm x 933 mm)
Purchased with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, 1997
Primary Collection
NPG 6403

Sitter

King Charles II (1630-1685), Reigned 1660-85. Sitter associated with 290 portraits.

Artist

Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6134 portraits.

This portrait

This is the earliest known portrait of the future king. It was painted, according to the French inscription, when he was four months and fifteen days old. At this age he was described by his mother, Henrietta Maria, as 'so fat and so tall that he is taken for a year old'. The painting was probably sent to the prince's godmother and grandmother, Marie de' Medici, Queen Mother of France. The dog, held by the ear, is a toy spaniel, a breed which later came to be associated with Charles as King.

Linked publications

Gibson, Robin, The Face in the Corner: Animal in Portraits from the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, 1998, p. 27
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 116

Subjects & Themes

Carpets and textiles
Children
Hats and head-attire
Jewellery
Pets and animals