Portrait miniature of King Charles II after Samuel Cooper (c.1609-72).

A watercolour on vellum portrait miniature of King Charles II after Samuel Cooper (c.1609-72).

English, 18th century.

The miniature measures 8 x 6.7cm and 14 x 12.5cm including frame.

The miniature is contained within it’s original ebony veneered frame.

The example from the Royal Collection Trust bears the following description:

‘Charles II had learned of Samuel Cooper's reputation whilst in exile and lost no time in sitting to Cooper soon after his return to London following the Restoration in 1660. John Aubrey describes how within weeks of 'his majestie's happy returne', Charles II went to Cooper's studio, where 'as he sate for his picture, he was diverted by Mr. Hobbes's pleasant discourse'. Cooper's role as court limner was made official with his appointment as King's Limner in 1663 and the king's high regard for Cooper's work is born out by the lengths to which he went to secure the remaining pieces left in Cooper's studio after the artist's death in 1672, offering a considerable pension of £200 p.a. to Cooper's widow, Christiana.’