Artwork
Charles I (1600–1649), and Henrietta Maria (1609–1669), with a Laurel Wreath
Charles I (1600–1649), and Henrietta Maria (1609–1669), with a Laurel Wreath is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Gonzales Coques. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work's title highlights the inclusion of a laurel wreath, a classical symbol traditionally associated with victory, triumph, and eternal glory.
This double portrait depicts the married couple Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France. The work's title highlights the inclusion of a laurel wreath, a classical symbol traditionally associated with victory, triumph, and eternal glory. By presenting the monarchs together under this emblem, the painting functions as a dynastic statement, celebrating their union and projecting an image of regal success and enduring legacy.
The composition serves not merely as a record of their likenesses but as an allegorical representation of their shared sovereignty and the prosperity of their reign.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on an oak panel, a support consistent with small-scale cabinet pictures of the period. Its dimensions are 45.5 cm in height by 78.5 cm in width, giving it a distinctly horizontal format suited to a paired royal portrait.
Stylistically, the painting is attributed to Gonzales Coques after Anthony van Dyck, indicating that Coques produced the panel in close imitation of Van Dyck's portrait manner rather than as an independent composition. The double portrait genre places the sitters side by side as a married couple, framed by a laurel wreath motif that lends a formal, iconographic weight to the image.
History & Provenance
Created in 1630, this oil painting on oak panel is attributed to Gonzales Coques, executed after a design by Anthony van Dyck. The work depicts the married couple Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France.
The painting entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1869, having been bequeathed by the Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend the previous year. It holds the accession number 1342-1869.
The painting is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its accession number is 1342-1869, and it was bequeathed to the museum by Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend in 1868. No prior exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
The double portrait, an oil on oak panel measuring 45.5 × 78.5 cm, is attributed to Gonzales Coques after Anthony van Dyck and dates to 1630.
Overview
Created in 1630 by the Flemish artist Gonzales Coques, this oil painting presents a paired portrait of England’s monarch Charles I and his consort Henrietta Maria of France. Executed in the style of the Flemish Baroque, the work now belongs to the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
At the time of its creation, the English court was keen to project an image of stability and cultural sophistication. The inclusion of the laurel wreath and the luxurious attire reflects contemporary diplomatic and artistic trends that linked the monarchy with classical ideals.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gonzales Coques (between 1614 and 1618 – 18 April 1684) was a Flemish painter of portraits and history paintings.
Portrait of Charles I (1600–1649)
Regele Charles I Stuart al Angliei și soția sa Henrietta Maria de Franța (în Reg. Inv.: Carol I al Angliei și soția sa Henriette din Franța)
Friedrich Wilhelm (1620-88), Elector of Brandenburg, and his wife Louise Henriette (1627-67), Countess of Orange-Nassau
Married Couple in the Park
Willem II (1626-50), Prince of Orange, and his wife Maria Stuart (1631-60)
Portrait of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg and Luise Henriette of Nassau
Portrait of King Charles I (1600-1649), with the Order of the Garter
William II, Prince of Orange, and his Bride, Mary Stuart
