H.R.H. Prince Alfred Ernest Albert,
Duke of Edinburgh,
in enamel on gold, by John Simpson,
signed & dated 1846.

Prince Alfred Ernest Albert (1844-1900), the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Kent and Earl of Ulster. He entered the Royal Navy at the age of sixteen, rising to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Known as "Affie" to his family because of his affable ways, the much loved Duke married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, the only daughter of Czar Alexander II. Their six children included a future Queen of Romania and an Infanta of Spain. Upon the death of his uncle, Ernst II in 1893, the Duke became ruler of the duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

This portrait of the enchanting two year old son of Queen Victoria was based on the state portrait of the same year by Winterhalter, which remains in the Royal Collection. There are two enamel portraits of Prince Alfred John by Simpson in the Royal Collection.

Set in the original gold locket frame, the glazed reverse revealing the signature on the counter-enamel, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert/ after Winterhalter/ Octb 1846/ by Simpson.

1 1/8 inch (2.2 cm) high.

John Simpson (1811-after 1871) exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1847-1871. In addition to copying the works of other artists, Simpson painted in enamels from life, both on porcelain and metal. His self-portrait is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum.

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