7 OF 28

Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn; Queen Victoria

7 of 28 portraits of Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn

by and published by William Skelton, after Sir William Beechey
line engraving, published 1823
13 5/8 in. x 11 in. (345 mm x 280 mm) plate size; 17 1/8 in. x 13 1/8 in. (436 mm x 332 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D11130

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Sittersback to top

Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 444 portraits, Artist associated with 5 portraits.
Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn (1786-1861), Mother of Queen Victoria. Sitter in 28 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Sir William Beechey (1753-1839), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 248 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
William Skelton (1763-1848), Engraver. Artist associated with 58 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In part a continuation of the fashion for charming mother and daughter portraits, this seemingly sentimental image also had a serious dynastic purpose. Thought to have been originally commissioned by Prince Leopold, this portrait by the established court artist, William Beechey, helped to assert little Victoria's rightful claim to the throne by showing her clapsing the miniature portrait of her deceased royal father. Known as 'Drina' in her formative years, she was not officially recognised as the heir apparent until 1830, when King William IV came to the throne.