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Picture Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Highlight paintings at Buckingham Palace

Learn more about the paintings on display at Buckingham Palace this summer

FRANZ XAVER WINTERHALTER (1805-73)

The Royal Family in 1846

Signed and dated 1846

RCIN 405413

In this well-known painting Queen Victoria is skilfully depicted as both sovereign and mother. The scene is one of domestic harmony, peace and happiness albeit with many allusions to royal status.

In May 1846 Queen Victoria wrote to the French king, Louis-Philippe, to ask him to release Winterhalter from his role as court painter in the autumn so that he could paint a large picture of her family for Osborne. Queen Victoria considered the finished painting 'a "chef d'oeuvre"... such beautiful, brilliant, fresh colouring - & we were enchanted'. However, it was not well received by the press. They criticised the 'sensual and fleshy' depiction of the royal couple. The Prince's hands were likened to those of a farmer and the fact that a foreign artist had been chosen for such an important royal commission was a source of contention.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.