Porträt Caroline, Königin von England (1683-1737)

The portrait shows Caroline von Brandenburg-Ansbach, the later queen of Great Britain and Ireland. She married Georg, son of the Elector of Hanover in 1705. In 1727 the couple ascended the royal throne. Georg Friedrich Händel composed the coronation Anthems (HWV 258-261) for this event. Caroline is considered one of the biggest patrons of Handel. For her funeral in 1737 he composed the Funeral Anthem “The ways of Zion do mourn” (HWV 264). The Mezzotinto comes from the English artist John Faber. He was presented with a painting by the English painter and book illustrator John Vanderbank. The paper is signed with: "J. Vanderbank Pinxit 1736. J. Faber Fecit 1739. ' The queen is dressed in a very magnificent garment, which undoubtedly highlights her rank. Above the dress she also wears a heavy fur coat. In Caroline’s open-frozen hair, bead jewelry is woven into. As a sign of the royal statue, the portrait holds a scepter in her left hand. On a table to the right of Caroline there are other signs of power of the English royal house - a crown is clearly visible. The queen is at the center of the picture. Mighty pillars can be seen in the background as well as a chair that could be a throne - a crown with coat of arms is carved into the frame of the backrest. The caption names the person portrayed: "Her Most Excellent Majesty, Queen Caroline.'. The text also gives more detailed information about the clients of the painting design and the process of formation of the mezzotine: "From the Original, Painted for His Grace the Duke of Richmond & c to whom this Plate is humbly Dedicated by His Grace 's Most DeDer Servt John Faber." Signature: J. Vanderbank Pinxit 1736. J. Faber Fecit 1739. Caption: Her Most Exellent Majesty, Queen Caroline. From the Original, Paintet for His Grace the Duke of Richmond & c To whom this Plate is humbly Dedicated by His Grace 's Most DevotedServt John Faber ((Händel-Haus Halle Foundation)