GERMAN SCHOOL AFTER ALEXANDER SCHÄFER (GERMAN, FL. C. 1832 - 1860)

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Details

GERMAN SCHOOL AFTER ALEXANDER SCHÄFER (GERMAN, FL. C. 1832 - 1860)
Two miniatures: Ernest Augustus I (1771-1851), Duke of Cumberland and later King of Hanover, in Hanoverian Guard Hussar's uniform, wearing a red-lined cloak, white cross-belt and the purple sash and breast-star of the Royal Hanoverian Order of St George, the badge of the Royal Guelphic Order and other orders or medals; together with George V (1819-1878), King of Hanover 1851-1866, in Hanoverian general officer's uniform, wearing the red moiré sash, ribbon and breast-star of the Saxe-Weimar Order of the White Falcon and the badge of the Royal Guelphic Order
on porcelain and ivory, respectively
ovals, 1.5/16 in. (33 mm.) high, metal mount, and 1 in. (25 mm.) high, gilt-metal bracelet frame with laurel surround, the reverse engraved 'George V / King of Hanover / Duke of Cumberland / bor 1819. Died 1878.', respectively

Provenance

Adolphus, 1st Marquess of Cambridge (1868-1927).
The Property of a Lady, from the Estate of the late the Most Honourable Adolphus, 1st Marquess of Cambridge, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., C.M.G. (1868-1927); Christie's, London, 16 December 1975, lot 59 (both miniatures).

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Emma Durkin

edurkin@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2609

Lot Essay

Ernest Augustus was the fifth son of King George III (see lot 154) and Queen Charlotte (see lot 155). Since the reign of King George I, Hanover and the United Kingdom had been governed by a single monarch. However, Salic Law prevented Queen Victoria, as a woman, from ruling Hanover. On her accession to the British throne in 1837, the Hanoverian throne passed to her uncle, Ernest Augustus (the sitter in one of these two miniatures). He was succeeded by his only son, George (later George V of Hanover), the other sitter.
Both miniatures are after works by Alexander Schäfer, examples of which are in the British Royal Collection (RCINS 420761 and 420756 respectively, see V. Remington, Victorian Miniatures in the Collection of Her MajestyThe Queen, London, 2010, II, pp. 436-437).

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