The Princes in the Tower

Sir John Everett Millais Bt PRA (1829-96)

1878

Oil on canvas

147.2 x 91.4 cm

Picture Gallery, Royal Holloway, University of London

Acquisition no. TH0044; purchased by Thomas Holloway in 1881

Millais' son, John Guille Millais, tells us that his father thought of the subject as soon as he saw the two boys — suiting prospective model to subject was one of his father's gifts. These boys did indeed seem perfect for their roles. [Click on the pictures to enlarge them; commentary continues below.]