Traditionally thought to be a copy of the bust produced by Bernini on the basis of van Dyck’s portrait of Charles I, opinion remains divided on this point as Blommendael probably never had the opportunity to see the original before its destruction by fire at Whitehall in 1698. Charles I wears a doublet with paned sleeves, lace collar and garter ribbon, similar to those seen in the van Dyck portrait, although with two military additions – a metal breastplate (which conceals the row of buttons on the doublet) and a large sash.