King Charles II

Sitterback to top

• King Charles II (1630-1685), Reigned 1660-85. Sitter associated with 292 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6232 portraits.

This portraitback to top

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 publicationsback to top

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

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Carpets and textiles
• Children
• Hats and head-attire
• Jewellery
• On display at the Gallery
• Pets and animals