
Hardstone carvings

Philip II of Spain ©
It was common in the courts of Germany to create a Wunderkammer or cabinet to house a collection of small treasures and exotic curiosities. Queen Caroline created such a space at Kensington Palace, where she compiled a remarkable collection of hardstone carvings. Some of these, shown here, reflected her interest in the history of the princely houses of Europe, the highlights being the two portraits of Elizabeth I which are carved to the highest quality.
After Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543)
Henry VIII and Prince Edward
English
Elizabeth I
English
Elizabeth I
English
Ring
? French
James I
? French
Philip II of Spain
Attributed to Jacopo Nizolla da Trezzo (c. 1515-89)