Queen Victoria, by Georg Koberwein (1820-1876)

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Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Georg Koberwein (1820-1876)

After Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-73)

Original, 1859, copy 1876

Oil on canvas

72.4 x 59.6 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)

Royal Collection Trust © His Majesty King Charles III, 2024

RCIN 407371

[Reproduced by kind permission. Click on the image to enlarge it.]

This is based on Winterhalter's well-known portrait of the Queen in her official robes, which was so often engraved and copied, but has been adapted by Koberwein, no doubt with the Queen's approval. [Commentary continues below. Mouse over the text for links.]

Only the Queen's upper half is shown, her eyes seem wider, her crown and necklace are markedly different, and her costume too differs considerably, with the delicate feathery fringe on the white bodice. Perhaps the absence of rich colours was more appropriate in these days of the Queen's long widowhood. Koberwein was by no means just a copyist, and although the Queen still looks young, he has given the likeness his own interpretation. — Jacqueline Banerjee

Links to Related Material

Bibliography

Queen Victoria (1819-1901). Royal Collection Trust. Web. 15 October 2024.

Created 15 October 2024