Henry, Prince of Wales
- Artist: Robert Peake the Elder
- Date: circa 1610
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 68 in. x 44 3/4 in. (1727 mm x 1137 mm)
- Portrays: Henry, Prince of Wales
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
"Henry, Prince of Wales" is an oil on canvas from around 1610 that places the young prince in a bright courtly light. The artist, Robert Peake the Elder, painted many royal children and filled this portrait with fine detail. Notice the Italian brocaded silk doublet he wears—the pattern catches the eye—and the diamond cipher “HP” that sits on his hat jewel. In the window behind him you can see the grounds of Richmond Palace—a little garden scene that adds depth to the composition. The work was likely made in 1610 when Henry became Prince of Wales, and it may have been kept by his sister Elizabeth after his early death.
See it in person
Henry, Prince of Wales is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
