Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn
1 portrait by Thomas Woolnoth
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn
by Thomas Woolnoth, after George Dawe
stipple engraving, published 1820
18 1/2 in. x 15 in. (470 mm x 380 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D10702
Sitterback to top
- Princess Victoria, Duchess of Kent and Strathearn (1786-1861), Mother of Queen Victoria. Sitter associated with 34 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- George Dawe (1781-1829), History and portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 45 portraits.
- Thomas Woolnoth (1785-1857), Painter and engraver. Artist or producer associated with 121 portraits.
This portraitback to top
In this engraving, based on the companion portrait that George Dawe made of Princess Victoria shortly after her marriage to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn in July 1818, the widowed Duchess sits serenely in mourning dress, holding her hands in a manner that accentuates her wedding rings. Though short, their marriage was happy. The Duke's sudden death left her and her new baby, Alexandrina Victoria, the potential heir to the throne, unprotected and impoverished. George IV refused to support them, and so her brother Prince Leopold had to take on the responsibility.
Events of 1820back to top
Current affairs
George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hanged.
Art and science
Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.
International
Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.
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