Peter Paul RubensFlemish, 1577–1640The Union of England and Scotland (Charles I as the Prince of Wales)
May one see it?
Yes, receiving visitors
Minneapolis Institute of Art
RoomG313Minneapolis, United States
On public display.
- Checked
- 4 hours ago
- In this state since
- Sep 25, 2026
- Source
- The museum's own collection data
About the painting
King Charles I of England (reigned 1625–49) commissioned Rubens to decorate the ceiling of the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace, in London. The vast canvases celebrate the Stuart monarchy and the reign of Charles’s father, King James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England and Ireland in 1603, succeeding Queen Elizabeth I. This oil sketch represents Charles as a child, a young prince embodying the union. Crowning him are three women: personifications of England (in red) and Scotland (in yellow) and the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, Minerva. Above them, two cherubs hold the royal coat of arms.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Particulars
- Accession number
- 26.2
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art: the museum's own open data · fetched 4 days ago
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
Meanwhile, in the life of Peter Paul Rubens
The whole life18 January 1632
Daughter born: Claire Rubens
1635
Decorations for the Entry of the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand
Rubens directed the creation of the ephemeral decorations for the ceremonial entry into Antwerp of the new governor, the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria.
1635
Purchase of the Castle at Elewijt, Title of Lord
With the acquisition in 1635 of the castle at Elewijt (the Het Steen estate near Antwerp), Rubens received the title of lord of the manor; he spent much time there, and his late landscapes are associated with the place.
