An angel conducting Prince Octavius to heaven on a cloud, where Prince Alfred greets him: Windsor Castle below. Engraving by R. Strange after B. West.
- West, Benjamin, 1738-1820.
- Date:
- [1787]
- Reference:
- 569570i
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Description
Octavius (1779-1783) and Alfred (1780-1782) were the two youngest sons of King George III and Queen Charlotte. This engraving publishes a painting in the Royal Collection (no. RCIN 405404) designated as "The apotheosis of Prince Octavius". In the left background is Windsor Castle
Publication/Creation
(printed by Clode Hocquet), [1787]
Physical description
1 print : line engraving, with etching ; platemark 63 x 45.7 cm
Lettering
Ah! si qua fata aspera! To the Queen, this plate is humbly inscribed, by Her Majesty's most obedient and most devoted servant, Robert Strange ; from the painting of Benjamin West, Esqr. in the Royal Collection ; Benjs. West pinxit ; Rob.us Strange delint. et sculpt. Londini 1786
"Heu miserande puer, si qua fata aspera rumpas / Tu Marcellus eris"--Virgil, Aeneid VI. 882-883, referring to the shortlived prospective nephew and heir to the emperor Augustus, here compared to the shortlived princes Octavius and Alfred
Reference
Wellcome Collection 569570i
Type/Technique
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores