Traditionally thought to be a copy of the bust produced by Bernini on the basis of van Dyck’s portrait of Charles I (nearby), 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.