King Edward VII (1841-1910) as Prince of Wales

Location

Country: Other
City: other locations abroad

Edward VII carries a plumed hat, indicating his status as Prince of Wales, in this portrait engraving, published in 1879. He was a constant supporter of France and of Anglo-French relations, both as Prince of Wales and as King. He spoke fluent French and made many visits to the country. In 1903 he spent some months travelling between European capitals and paid a state visit to Paris, where he was warmly received. 

He had held little political responsibility as Prince of Wales and was not granted access to details of cabinet proceedings until the 1890s. He and his wife, Alexandra of Denmark, were known instead as prominent figures in fashionable society. As King, he demonstrated considerable interest in foreign policy, and the Entente Cordiale of 1904 owed much to his personality and diplomatic efforts. 

Heinrich von Angeli was born in Sopron, Austria. He moved to Vienna in 1853 to live with his uncle. In 1854 he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and moved to Dusseldorf two years later to study under Friedrich von Amerling. From 1859 to 1862 he produced history paintings in Munich. He then returned to Vienna, where he exhibited at the World Fair. He moved to Italy in 1871, turning to genre and portrait painting. He received portrait commissions from the courts of Vienna, St. Petersburg and London. He became a professor of the Academy of Fine Arts and President of the Künstlerhaus in Vienna. He remained in Vienna (occasionally sending work to the Royal Academy or Grosvenor Gallery in London) until his death at the age of 85.
George James Zobel produced line, mezzotint and mixed media engravings, and occasionally etchings, mainly of portraiture subjects. He was probably born in Germany but lived in Brixton, London, for much of his career, with his wife and children. He exhibited 35 works at the Royal Academy between 1854 and 1879 and is reported to have frequently executed works for Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family. Zobel’s wife died at their home in Lorn Road, Brixton, in 1878, aged 59. The announcement of her death in the ‘London Standard’ was followed by the words: ‘German papers, please copy.’ Zobel himself died at the age of 70.

People

Edward VII (1844 - 1910)

Places

Subjects

male portrait, beard, 19th century costume, military uniform, sash, epaulettes, medal, King, sword

Materials & Techniques

mezzotint

Artist

Heinrich von Angeli (1840 - 1925)
George James Zobel (1810 - 1881)

Title

King Edward VII (1841-1910) as Prince of Wales

Date

published 6 March 1879

Medium

Mezzotint

Acquisition

Purchased from F B Daniell & Son, June 1958

GAC number

4654