Portrait of James II as Prince of Wales (1633–1701)
c. 1670
Medium
Watercolor on vellum
Dimensions
20.6 × 17.2 cm (8 1/8 × 6 3/4 in.); Framed: 24.8 × 20.3 cm (9 3/4 × 8 in.)
Classification
miniature painting
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
11744
Art Historical Context
This delicate miniature portrait by Nicholas Dixon captures James Stuart, Duke of York, as Prince of Wales around 1670, years before he ascended as King James II of England Scotland, and Ireland (r. 1685–1688). Rendered in watercolor on vellum—a translucent animal skin prized for its smooth surface and luminous quality—the 20.6 × 17.2 cm work exemplifies the intimate scale of 17th-century portrait miniatures. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of Europe, it invites close viewing to appreciate its fine details. Miniatures like this were highly fashion...