Prince Rupert, Count Palatine
(1619-1682), Soldier and patron of science; son of Frederick V, Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia and Elizabeth of BohemiaSitter associated with 45 portraits
Artist associated with 1 portrait
The third son of Frederick V and Elizabeth, the exiled King and Queen of Bohemia, Rupert was a nephew of King Charles I. A keen experimental scientist, he developed a range of inventions including a water pump, navigational instruments, gunpowder and an early machine gun. He was also a notable tennis player and one of the earliest mezzotint printmakers in England. These interests led to him becoming a founding Fellow of the Royal Society in 1664. Having gained extensive military experience abroad, he proved to be one of the most skilful and inspiring Royalist commanders in the Civil War, and was a successful naval commander against the Dutch after the Restoration. Due to his fear of Dutch trading dominance, Rupert helped gain royal patronage for the Royal African Company, which was given a monopoly over the British slave trade.
after Sir Peter Lely
watercolour on vellum, based on a work of circa 1665
NPG 233
studio of Sir Peter Lely
oil on canvas, circa 1670
NPG 608
The King and Queen of Bohemia and their family
by Willem de Passe
line engraving, 1622 or after
NPG D26452
by Wenceslaus Hollar
etching, mid 17th century
NPG D26477
by Hendrik Snyers, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D18151
published by Balthasar Moncornet, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D18154
published by Pieter de Jode II, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D18155
published by Pieter de Jode II, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D18156
by Hendrik Snyers, published by Johannes Meyssens, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D18851
after William Faithorne, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, (early 1640s)
NPG D22926
after William Faithorne, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, (early 1640s)
NPG D22927
by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, early 1640s
NPG D26473
by William Faithorne, published by Sir Robert Peake, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, early 1640s
NPG D32644
by William Faithorne, published by Thomas Hinde, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, published circa 1643-1652
NPG D22925
by Unknown artist
line engraving, (1643)
NPG D18152
by Unknown artist
line engraving, (1643)
NPG D18153
by Wenceslaus Hollar, published by John Giles
etching, published 1643
NPG D20069
King Charles I and his adherents
after Sir Anthony van Dyck, and after Unknown artists
line engraving, 1660s
NPG D22672
by William Faithorne, published by Peter Stent, after William Dobson
line engraving, published 1662
NPG D22928
Related People
- Anne of Denmark (grandmother)
- King Charles I (uncle)
- Charles Lewis (Louis), Elector Palatine (brother)
- Princess Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia and Electress Palatine (mother)
- Elizabeth, Princess of the Palatinate (sister)
- Frederick V, King of Bohemia and Elector Palatine (father)
- Frederick Henry, Prince of the Palatinate (brother)
- King James I of England and VI of Scotland (grandfather)
- Louise Hollandine, Princess Palatine (sister)
- Maurice, Prince Palatine (brother)
- Princess Sophia, Electress of Hanover (sister)
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