An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Union of England and Scotland (Charles I as the Prince of Wales)1633–34
Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
Flemish, 1577–1640
Historical. Charles I, King of England. A helmeted Britannia, wearing violet drapery, holds steady the golden crown which England and Scotland, in red and yellow draperies, suspend above the head of the Infant Charles I. Two putti above support an escutcheon with the arms of the United Kingdom lightly indicated, and a putto below holds a torch to a heap of armor, spears, and dull red banners which the union makes no longer necessary.
33 1/4 x 25 7/8 in. (84.46 x 65.72 cm) (panel)
Oil on gessoed wood (oak) panel
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In the tranquil halls of history, there lies a story woven with the threads of destiny and artistry. It begins in the regal age of King Charles I, a monarch whose reign spanned from 1625 to 1649. Beyond kingship, he was a visionary who sought to celebrate the legacy of his lineage through the brilliance of paint and canvas.
In the heart of London stood the splendid Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace—an architectural gem commissioned by Charles himself. He yearned for the vast ceilings to be adorned with scenes that would echo the glory of the Stuart dynasty, a lineage inspired by the unity of nations. And so, he called upon a master of the brush, the illustrious Peter Paul Rubens, renowned for his ability to ignite the canvas with life and emotion.
Among the masterpieces that graced this hallowed space, one delicate oil sketch captured a moment of profound significance. It portrayed Charles as a child, a young prince full of potential, embodying the hopes of a united realm. In the tapestry of his youth, three ethereal figures encircled him, each representing the fabric of his royal heritage.
To his left, a woman robed in crimson symbolized England, her garb echoing the blood that pulsed through the veins of her people. To his right, another draped in vibrant yellow embodied Scotland, a proud and powerful presence that spoke of distant hills and fervent hearts. Above them, the majestic Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, stood with authority, her gaze wise yet nurturing, bestowing her blessings upon the young prince.
Yet, hovering above this assembly of honor were two cherubs, innocent guardians cradling the royal coat of arms—an emblem that would proudly proclaim the strength and unity of the throne. In this simple sketch, one can sense the weight of history, the intertwining destinies of nations bound together in a moment of unity as fragile as it was monumental.
Thus, in the stillness of that canvas, Charles I’s legacy was born—a portrait of promise that echoes through the ages, inviting us to reflect on the stories that shape our world, where art becomes a bridge between the past and our own unfolding narratives.
About the artist
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