Memorial portrait to the Prince Consort

This watercolour by E.H. Corbould presents the Prince in armour at the centre of a fictional altarpiece, like a Christian knight of old. The portrait was based on a portrait miniature by Robert Thorburn, an image which also appears on Gruner’s 1851 Jewel Cabinet. But here Corbould shows the Prince sheathing his sword, indicating that the battle of life is over. The Queen had this work inserted into the door of the Blue Room at Windsor Castle, where the Prince had died.

Inscribed, bottom centre: [I]ch habe einen guten Kampf gekämpfet/ ich habe den Lauf vollendet. Hinfort ist mir / beigelegt eine Krone der Gerechtigkeit [I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness]

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010