$125,000
1818 oil on canvas 140 x 110 cm (55 x 43 1/4 in. ) signed and dated Acquired from the summer residence of the King of Hannover, Castle Herrenhauser, with partial inventory label on stretcher, and collection stamp on the canvas verso [Familien Fideicommiss Seiner Majestaet des hochseligen Koenigs Ernst August von Hannover. 1836.1843] Sotheby's, Munich, Works of Art from the Royal House of Hanover, October 6, 2005, Lot 588 Acquired at the above sale by the present owner Annual Exhibition of the Royal Academy, London, 1818 (No. 42, ) This portrait of Princess Charlotte Augusta was painted in 1818, shortly after the tragic death of the young Princess (1796-1817). Apart from being an exceptionally visually appealing early 19th century portrait painting with both a Royal sitter and a Royal provenance, the present lot is quite historically significant. It is difficult to overestimate the effect that the untimely death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales had on the people of Great Britain. The closest event in recent memory to which one could compare it, would be the death of Princess Diana in our time. After Charlotte’s death, the entire country went into mourning, with shops closing for two weeks, and even the Exchange and Law Courts closing, amongst other institutions. George Dawe was a favored English portraitist of high society. An Academician at the Royal Academy of the Arts, his patrons included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, as well as Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold. Thi
Auctioneer:
Shapiro Auctions
Date:
2015-02-28
