Abraham Blooteling 1640-1690. Netherlandish School. Exceptionally Rare Copper Engraving after Sir Peter Lely 1618-1680. Portrait of Prince Rupert Of The Rhine 1619-1682. A Proof impression before titles. Trimmed to plateline, slight foxing, Old Ink inscription identifying sitter. Date unknown Circa.1660. Presented in a later 18th./19th.Century carved ebonised and gilded frame. 29 by 39 cms pl. 43.5 by 54 cms overall in frame. Old Auctioneers stencil to reverse of frame (Christies). Not in NPG collection. Scottish NPG holds an example with full engraved titles.
Prince Rupert. Son of Frederick, Elector Palatine and Elizabeth of Bohemia was born in Prague where his parents were, briefly, in residence as King and Queen of Bohemia. Brought up in the Netherlands. In 1642, already an experienced soldier, he was given command of the cavalry of his uncle, Charles I of England, becoming Captain-General of all Royalist forces in 1644. Exiled between 1646-1660. He shared command of the Royal Navy throughout the Anglo-Dutch Wars of 1665-67 and 1672-74. Highly intellectual, with artistic and scientific interests; he played an important role in the development of Mezzotint, as well as experimenting with gunpowder, metallurgy, gunnery, and glass manufacture. Polymath and Cavalier.