Portrait Miniature of Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765)

c. 1755

transfer print by

Simon François Ravenet

(French, 1706–1774)

Culture

England, Battersea, 18th century

Medium

enamel

Measurements

Framed: 10.4 x 8.3 cm (4 1/8 x 3 1/4 in.); Unframed: 8.8 x 7 cm (3 7/16 x 2 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

The A. W. Ellenberger, Sr., Endowment Fund 1983.216

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The lion head depicted on the prince’s shoulder is a symbol of Great Britain.

Description

This portrait miniature depicts Prince William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland and the youngest son of King George II. During his lifetime, the prince was greatly admired for his role in putting down the Jacobite Rising and defeating Prince Charles at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Accordingly, he is depicted here in profile wearing a steel breastplate or cuirass, a fur cloak, and armor depicting a lion’s head along his shoulder. These characteristics suggest that the work was inspired by a series of medals produced in the mid-1740s celebrating the history of Great Britain and Ireland.