HRH Princess Charlotte

Shown amongst darkening clouds, this is a poignant memorial portrait of Princess Charlotte of Wales.

Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales (1796-1817) was the only child of George IV and Caroline of Brunswick. Her parents separated very soon after her birth and, as a result, Charlotte was brought up by governesses and saw little of her parents especially her mother. She married Prince Léopold of Saxe-Coburg and tragically died in childbirth at the age of 21 leading to a period of unprecedented public mourning. Had she outlived her grandfather and father, Princess Charlotte would have become Queen of England.

Enamel on copper, the portrait is unsigned but is attributed to the hand of Henry Pierce Bone. In fine condition, it is set in a gilt metal frame with canted corners.

Born in 1779, Henry Pierce helped out in his father’s enamelling studio from an early age. Having trained at the RA Schools, he forged a successful career copying portraits in enamel and was appointed enamel painter to the Queen, Princess Victoria and Prince Albert.