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| Title | Prince James Frances Edward Stuart | |
| Alternative Title | King James VIII and III; The Old Pretender | |
| Collection | Marischal Museum, University of Aberdeen | |
| Artist | Attributed to after Belle, Alexis-Simon (French painter, 1674-1734) | |
| Date Earliest | about 1712 | |
| Date Latest | probably about 1745 | |
| Description | This small portrait of Prince James Francis Edward Stuart (1688-1766) is a copy of a painting by the French painter Alexis-Simon Belle (1674-1734), in the Government Art Collection, London. Prince James, known as James VIII and III to his supporters, and 'the Old Pretender' to his enemies, spent his long life in exile, and his British supporters needed visual reminders, such as this portrait, of what he looked like. He wears the Garter sash prominently over his breastplate, to remind the viewer of his legitimate birthright as well as his military skills. |
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| Current Accession Number | ABDUA 10119 | |
| Subject | portrait (Prince James Frances Edward Stuart) | |
| Measurements | 34 x 26 cm (estimate) | |
| Material | oil on canvas | |
| Acquisition Details | Unknown | |
| Notes | The number of extant portraits of James Francis Edward Stuart in collections in north-east Scotland are testament to the area's Jacobite sympathies after the Hanoverian succession. In 1712, when the original version of this type was painted, there was still a realistic possibilty that Prince James might yet win his throne.The small size of this portrait suggests it was made to be easily transported, and probably to be easily hidden. | |
| Rights Owner | The University of Aberdeen | |
| Author | David Taylor | |