British School, 19th century
Princess Amelia (1783-1810) 1806
Watercolour on ivory | 7.7 x 6.4 cm (sight) (sight) | RCIN 420232
-
This portrait of Princess Amelia is a copy of Sir William Beechey's portrait painted for the Prince of Wales and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1797. Princess Amelia gave a similar miniature to Admiral Sir Harry Neale, captain of the Royal Yacht.
Princess Amelia (1783-1810) was the youngest daughter of George III. The six daughters in the family lived secluded lives and their parents were reluctant to allow them to marry. Princess Amelia contracted tuberculosis and died in 1810. The news of her death seems to have contributed to the final collapse of her father's health.
The identity of the artist is unknown but it has been suggested that it may be Lady Beechey (1764-1833/4). Lady Beechey was the second wife of Sir William. She exhibited at the Royal Academy under her maiden name, Anne Phyllis Jessop, in 1787, and under her married name from 1795 to 1805.
A piece of paper preserved with the miniature is inscribed: Portrait of the late Prss Amelia when quite young. The original locket contains interwoven locks of light and dark brown hair.Provenance
First recorded in the Royal Collection in 1870
-
Creator(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory
Measurements
7.7 x 6.4 cm (sight) (sight)
9.2 x 7.8 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 1870 11.D.2