A portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart today goes on general public display at the National Museum of Scotland.
More widely known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, the portrait will be exhibited for a short period until 27 May – a rare opportunity for art and history lovers.
Painted by renowned Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera, the portrait depicts a 16-year-old Charles and is believed to be the only portrait of him pre-dating the 1745 Jacobite uprising.
Carriera painted the prince in 1937 in Venice and is known not to have been supervised by his father, James VIII. This is significant as it means the portrait was free from James’ influence and likely to be a more accurate representation.
Pastel on blue paper, the half-length portrait depicts the prince wearing the Order of the Garter.
Previously held in a private collection until last year when it came up for auction, it was purchased by The Pininski Foundation who has lent it for short-term display at the National Museum of Scotland.
The portrait will be displayed within the Scotland galleries of the National Museum of Scotland adjacent to the display of Bonnie Prince Charlie related material including his silver canteen of travelling cutlery and targe (shield).
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe