Hidden Profiles

Strangely the unpainted area of a picture, as in this rare piece, can sometimes be more relevant than the painted area. Look beyond the painted fleur de lys and on each side of the feathers can be seen the hidden profiles of the Prince and Princess of Wales facing each other.

In 1795 the Prince of Wales (the future George IV) was obliged by his father to marry his cousin Princess Caroline of Brunswick. The marriage was not, however, a happy one and the couple went their separate ways following the birth of their daughter Princess Charlotte in 1796.

Painted on ivory and housed within a gilt metal hinged locket, the frame is backed with tortoiseshell inlaid with a pretty silver garland.