Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales; Leopold I, King of the Belgians
7 of 25 portraits of Leopold I, King of the Belgians
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales; Leopold I, King of the Belgians
published by J. Booth, after Unknown artist
stipple and line engraving, published 15 December 1817
9 1/4 in. x 5 3/4 in. (236 mm x 145 mm) plate size; 16 1/4 in. x 10 7/8 in. (413 mm x 275 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D33525
Sittersback to top
- Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales (1796-1817), Daughter of George IV. Sitter associated with 49 portraits.
- Leopold I, King of the Belgians (1790-1865), Reigned 1831-65; husband of Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales; uncle of Queen Victoria. Sitter in 25 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- J. Booth (active 1817). Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
- Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This stylised image presents an imagined view of the young couple in their wedding outfits the moment after their marriage on 2 May 1816. An earlier version with a slightly different inscription appeared as an engraving in the fashionable woman's journal, La Belle Assemblée, in June 1816. It serves as an indicator of their high fashion status as a modish, high profile couple, and their popular appeal. The nation's affection for them grew as their genuine love for each other became apparent.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1817back to top
Current affairs
Princess Charlotte, only daughter of George, Prince Regent and Caroline of Brunswick, dies in childbirth, prompting widespread mourning.Seditious Meetings Bill drives democratic societies underground.
Rising depression and discontent; Prince Regent's coach attacked at state opening of Parliament.
Art and science
John Keats begins to write his epic poem Endymion on the Isle of Wight; a rite of passage as a professional poet after deserting his medical career.John Constable exhibits Flatford Mill, one of his most famous naturalistic landscape paintings, at the Royal Academy
John Rennie's new Waterloo Bridge opens.
International
Journalist William Cobbett flees to America fearing prosecution. Already imprisoned for two years for seditious libel he grew more vehemently pro-reform on his release and reduced the price of his weekly periodical the Political Register to expand its circulation and influence to all classes.James Monroe is elected President of the United States.
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