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A cartoon for the tapestry of Christ's Charge to Peter for the Sistine Chapel. Christ is standing on the left, pointing behind himself to a flock of sheep and in front to the keys held by Peter, who is kneeling. The other disciples stand in a group at the
Prince Albert and Raphael

The Raphael Collection is one of Prince Albert's lasting legacies

ROBERT THORBURN (1818-85)

Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with Prince Alfred (1844-1900) and Princess Helena (1846-1923)

Signed and dated 1847

Watercolour on ivory laid on parchment affixed to board | 45.2 x 33.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/str external) | RCIN 406891

This miniature is unusual on the grounds of both iconography and size. Queen Victoria, portrayed as a Raphaelesque Madonna figure, carries Princess Helena, rendered as the Christ child, while Prince Alfred fulfils the role of the infant St John the Baptist, carrying his traditional reed staff. It was produced as a surprise gift to Prince Albert. Sittings began in May 1847 and the artist was still at work on the picture after it had been presented in August. The Queen wrote in her Journal on 17 November: 'Thorburn has brought back my miniature, finished & it is beautiful. My likeness seems very good, & he has made additions below and above. In the background are trees, & a deep blue sea, not unlike Osborne. I have got a fine piece of dark blue drapery round me, with a basket of flowers near me. The whole is splendidly coloured, & the drapery most carefully studied...'

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