Charles I after his Execution with his Head Stitched on

Maker:

British School, 17th century

ID:

46.78/537

Production date:

c.1660

Location:

In Store

This is a portrait of the dead King Charles I juxtaposed with three lamenting female figures, personifing the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. After Charles I was publicly executed on 30 January 1649, 'his Head and Trunk was instantly put into a Coffin covered with black Velvet'. He was later buried in St. George's Chapel in Windsor.  < ...Read more

This is a portrait of the dead King Charles I juxtaposed with three lamenting female figures, personifing the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. After Charles I was publicly executed on 30 January 1649, 'his Head and Trunk was instantly put into a Coffin covered with black Velvet'. He was later buried in St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

A white embroidered cap, a lace collar and a handkerchief associated with the execution are in the Museum's collection. As far as the dress in this painting are concerned the elaborate collar is omitted as the artist has decided to expose the King's neck and allude to the violent nature of his death, further adding to the theme of Charles I as the Martyr King. < Hide

Measurements

H 528 mm; W 763 mm; D 33 mm (framed), H 470 mm; W 700 mm (unframed), H 492 mm; W 727 mm; D 100 mm (overall)

Materials

oil; canvas; wood; glass

Last Updated

2024-03-26