King Alexander of Yugoslavia
1 portrait of King Alexander of Yugoslavia
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King Alexander of Yugoslavia
by Vandyk
12 x 10 inch glass plate negative, 1 April 1916
Given by Bassano & Vandyk Studios, 1974
Photographs Collection
NPG x130862
Sitterback to top
- King Alexander of Yugoslavia (1900-1934), Ruler of Yugoslavia and Crown Prince of Serbia. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Artistback to top
- Vandyk (active 1881-1947), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 662 portraits.
This portraitback to top
The future king is seen here during a tour of western capitals to gain support for Serbia's war effort. He was photographed on a visit to London where he took tea with King George V and Queen Mary and purchased a dozen pairs of his trademark spectacles which, some thought, made him look more like an American banker than a Balkan king.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1916back to top
Current affairs
As war drags on with heavy losses conscription is introduced with the Military Service Act. Conscientious objectors who refused to fight were compelled to do non-military war work, and some were jailed.British Summer Time is introduced, putting the clocks forward an hour during the summer in order to capitalise on daylight hours.
Art and science
C. Hubert H. Parry sets William Blake's poem, Jerusalem, to music popularising the poem and tune as a patriotic English anthem. On hearing Edward Elgar's orchestrated version in 1922, King George V suggested that it replace God Save the King as the National Anthem.International
The Irish Citizen Army starts a Nationalist rebellion in Dublin: The Easter Rising.Massive losses are suffered on the Western Front at the battles of the Somme and Verdun.
The Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire (1916-18) led by Prince Faisal is assisted by T.E. Lawrence, who became known as Lawrence of Arabia.
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