18th Century
Three-Quarter Length Portrait of Sir Robert Walpole (Britain's first de facto Prime Minister)
oil on canvas, lined
Although this large formal painting has been known to-date as a portrait of Charles I, King and Martyr (1600-1649)/ king of England, Scotland and Ireland—it is actually a painting of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Early of Orford, who served as Britain’s first de facto Prime Minister from 1721-1742. (For further identification purposes, this portrait also strongly resembles Walpole from a portrait painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller.) Walpole was known to have been a fabulous politician, a member of the Whig party and a man of the gentry class who gained strong support from fellow country gentlemen. He upheld the principles of the 1688 Glorious Revolution as principal minister of the Crown and head of the British Cabinet. He lived in grand fashion at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, and his own significant art collection is currently held by the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

This formal portrait features Walpole in a full and lengthy grey curled wig. His delicate white lace collar frames his face as he gazes directly at the viewer. He wears a dark padded mantle with elaborately gilded sleeves, and his white silk chemise is visible at the wrist. Each of these elements of clothing signify his most elite status while also conveying that he is not of royal blood.

What looks like a gold crown with an orb and cross on it (which could have confused his identity with that of a king) is actually the ceremonial mace held by the Speaker of the House of Commons--and its presence authorises the House to operate lawfully (it dates from the reign of King Charles II, late 17th c.). Here we see it placed on a table between him and us and next to a painting of a coat of arms that includes a crowned lion (symbol of England), a unicorn (symbol of Scotland), and a harp (representing Ireland)—symbols upheld by subsequent 18th c. British Prime Ministers as part of the PC (Privy Council).
47" x 37.5" unframed; set in a large carved and gilded frame ca. 47" x 56"