Mary Queen Of Scots And Lord Darnley - By Richard Westall Ra

Period Portraits are pleased to present this high quality, vivid historical study of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. Securely attributed to Richard Westall RA, and housed in its original antique gilt carved frame, this highly decorative and desirable oil on canvas is ready to hang and enjoy. After establishing herself in Scotland, young Mary undertook the difficult and important duty of finding a husband and providing an heir to the throne. His eventual choice would prove disastrous. A number of men have been suggested as a suitable match. Don Carlos of Spain was a possibility – despite the fact that a Catholic royal marriage between Scotland and Spain would have made an enemy of Elizabeth I of England and trouble among Scottish reformers. Elizabeth I suggested Mary marry Robert Dudley. Mary quickly dismissed Dudley. He was a Protestant, was suspected of having killed his wife and was allegedly the lover of Queen Elizabeth. When Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, appeared at Edinburgh court, it looked like Mary had met her match. Darnley was young and handsome. He shares a passion for hunting, dancing and music with Mary. Darnley and Mary were both grandchildren of Margaret Tudor and he came from an ambitious English noble family. Above all, a marriage to Darnley would strengthen Mary's claim, and that of their children, to the English throne. On Sunday July 29, 1565, Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley were married in the Chapel-Royal of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Their Catholic wedding ceremony was officiated by the Bishop of Brechin, grandson of William St Clair, the founder of Rosslyn Darnley Chapel left the chapel as Mary celebrated Catholic Mass.Mary was married in traditional black mourning dresses but had more than a dozen new dresses made for the wedding celebrations. Mary was in love with her new husband. The English ambassador said Mary was "bewitched" by Darnley. His happiness would be short-lived! Richard Westall RA (1765-1836) is variously recorded as being born in 1765 at Reepham in Norfolk, or at Hertford. He first exhibited at the RA in 1784, eventually exhibiting 384 works at the Academy during his career. He became a student in the RA schools in 1785, six years after they opened. He was well known among other artists. From 1790 to 1794 he lived with Thomas Lawrence, who would later become president of the Royal Academy. Westall had his greatest success as a painter of literary and historical subjects, including scenes from Shakespeare, Milton, Scott, Byron and Goethe. The height of his career dates back to 1814, when he organized an exhibition of over 300 paintings at the Pall Mall. But his career declined and he became strapped for money, partly because of the expense of organizing this exhibition. He undertook numerous commissions to illustrate books and continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy. He evidently continued to be well connected in London: at the end of 1827 he became the drawing master of the eight-year-old Princess Victoria, later Queen Victoria. He taught her twice a week until his death in 1836. She recalled that Westall was "a very forgiving, patient, and agreeable master, and a very dignified man." Higher resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available. Canvas: 20" x 20" / 51cm x 51cm. Frame: 27" x 27" / 69cm x 69cm