-
1 of 253523 objects
Prince Arthur, Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice c.1854-61
Gold, champlevé enamel, pearls, hair, velvet | 19.5 x 3.0 x 0.7 cm (whole object) (whole object) | RCIN 4796
William Essex (1784-1869)
Bracelet with miniatures of Victoria, Princess Royal, Albert Edward , Prince of Wales, Princess Alice, Prince Alfred, Princess Helena and Princess Louise c.1854-61
-
Gold and blue champlevé enamel bracelet, each square link centred by a circular miniature surrounded by four pearls; head and shoulders of three children: Prince Arthur; facing slightly to the right in a blue tunic with gold border, Leopold: facing slightly to the left, Beatrice: facing half to the right. Each compartment engraved on reverse with sitter's name, birthdate and date presented: inset with locks of hair. Inscribed on back of miniature of Prince Leopold 'HRH / Prince Leopold / at the age of 4 / [pa]inted by W. Essex / After Sir W.C. Ross.'
William Essex painted the miniatures in the accompanying bracelet (RCIN 4797) and those of Princes Arthur and Leopold here, but William Bell pianted the miniature of Princess Beatrice, copying an original by Dixon.
Bell was the only son of William Bell (b.1801), an engraver and enameller. His father sent him to train under the enamel painter Gaspart Lamunière (1810-65) in Geneva and he secured his first royal commission in March 1850. Bell was employed by the Queen for almost fifty years to paint enamel miniatures, often copying Winterhalter's portraits for her collection and for gifts. These were sometimes set into jewellery, particularly brooches for her maids of honour. He was awarded an annual pension of £20 by the Queen; this was honoured after her death by Edward VII until the artist's death.
Entry adapted from Victoria & Albert, Art & Love, Royal Collection, 2010Provenance
Given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert for his birthday, 26th August 1854. Portrait of Prince Leopold added on 24th May 1857. Portrait of Princess Beatrice added on 24th May 1861 [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 458-61]
Queen Victoria's Inventory of Jewels states that it was received in three parts, on 26 August 1854, 24 May 1857 and 24 May 1861. It was left to King Edward VII. -
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
Subject(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Gold, champlevé enamel, pearls, hair, velvet
Measurements
19.5 x 3.0 x 0.7 cm (whole object) (whole object)
2.5 cm diameter (each miniature) (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
2.2 cm (sight)
Category
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Prince Arthur (1850-1942), Prince Leopold (1853-1884) & Princess Beatrice (1857-1944).