[5] Queen Henrietta Maria BY VAN DYCK

Half figure to right in profile; white dress and cloak, blue bow. Brown background.

Daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de Medici, born 1609; married Charles I, 1625; died 1669. Mother of Charles II and James II.

She quitted England in 1642 and did not return until after the Monarchy was restored in 1660. Buried at St. Denis, Paris. "Van Dyck was instructed to paint her (Queen Henrietta Maria's) portrait in three positions, like that of the King, but on different canvasses. These portraits are entered on the Memorandum as La Reyne pour Monsr. Barnino. The two portraits thus described being still at Windsor Castle, one full face, the other a profile to the left. A third portrait, a profile to the right, completing the set, is in the collection of the Earl of Denbigh, at Newnham Paddox, and is probably identical with La Reyne envoye a Mons." - Fielding in the aforesaid Memorandum.

Anthony Van Dyck, by Lional Cust, F. S.A. "No Queen was more flattered and honored by her court painter than Henrietta Maria was by Van Dyck." Canvas 29.5 x 24.5 in. Painted in 1639 and given by the King to the Earl of Denbigh. Art Treasures Exhibition 1857. Exhibited at the Royal Academy 1900.