Large 18thC Mezzotint Engraving – Sir Robert Strange after Van Dyck – Children of King Charles I – Plate XIV

Sir Robert Strange (Scottish, 1721–1792)
After Sir Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599–1641)
"The Children of King Charles I"
Original Mezzotint Engraving — Plate XIV — Mid-18th Century

Exceptional and historically significant original 18th-century mezzotint engraving by the celebrated Sir Robert Strange, after one of Anthony van Dyck's most famous royal portraits. This magnificent print depicts the three eldest children of King Charles I of England in a composition that has become one of the most iconic images of Stuart royalty.

The Royal Subjects:

• Charles, Prince of Wales (1630–1685) - Later King Charles II
• James, Duke of York (1633–1701) - Later King James II
• Princess Mary (1631–1660) - Later Princess Royal and Princess of Orange

This portrait captures the Stuart heirs during their childhood at the height of their father's reign, before the English Civil War would tear the kingdom apart. All three children would later play pivotal roles in British history.

About Sir Robert Strange:
Sir Robert Strange (1721–1792) was one of the most distinguished British engravers of the 18th century, knighted by King George III in 1787 for his exceptional contributions to the art of engraving. Strange specialized in reproducing Old Master paintings, particularly royal portraits by van Dyck. His mezzotint technique allowed for rich tonal gradations and atmospheric depth impossible with line engraving alone.

This print comes from Strange's prestigious published series of royal portraits, each numbered with Roman numerals. Plate XIV indicates this was part of a carefully curated collection of the finest royal images.

About Anthony van Dyck's Original:
Van Dyck's original painting of the royal children is held in the Royal Collection and is considered one of the masterpieces of 17th-century British portraiture. Painted during van Dyck's tenure as Principal Painter to Charles I (1632–1641), it exemplifies the grand manner style that defined royal portraiture for generations.

Historical Significance:
This image carries profound historical weight. The three children depicted would all become central figures in one of the most turbulent periods of British history:

• Charles would be restored to the throne in 1660 after his father's execution
• James would succeed his brother but be deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688
• Mary would marry William II of Orange, linking the Stuart and Orange dynasties

Van Dyck's portrait, and Strange's reproduction of it, preserve the innocence and promise of these royal children before the tragedy of civil war.

Technical Details:

• Engraver: Sir Robert Strange (Scottish, 1721–1792)
• After: Sir Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599–1641)
• Title: "The Children of King Charles I"
• Medium: Mezzotint engraving
• Date: Mid-18th century
• Plate number: XIV (from Strange's royal portrait series)
• Format: Large folio with full margins
• Plate mark: Visible
• Publisher: London
• Subject: Future Charles II, James II, and Princess Mary

Mezzotint Technique:
Mezzotint is a sophisticated engraving technique that produces rich, velvety tones and subtle gradations. Strange's mastery of this medium allowed him to capture the luminous quality and atmospheric depth of van Dyck's original painting. Mezzotints from this period are particularly prized by collectors for their tonal beauty.

Condition:
Please review photos carefully for exact condition. As an 18th-century print (approximately 250 years old), age-appropriate wear is expected and accepted by serious collectors.

Provenance & Authenticity:
From a Chicago collection of fine 18th-century engravings (other Sir Robert Strange and Van Dyck prints available separately). The visible plate mark, mezzotint technique, and plate numbering confirm this as an original period impression.

Rarity & Collectibility:
Sir Robert Strange's royal portrait series represents the pinnacle of 18th-century British reproductive engraving. Prints from this numbered series are increasingly scarce, particularly those depicting the most historically significant subjects. The Children of Charles I is among the most desirable images in the entire series.

Original Strange mezzotints after van Dyck royal portraits are considered blue-chip collectibles in the Old Master print market.

Perfect For:

• Stuart and British royal history collectors
• Sir Robert Strange specialists
• Van Dyck and Old Master print enthusiasts
• Mezzotint collectors
• British 18th-century art specialists
• Museum and institutional collections
• Investment-grade historical prints

Collection Context:
This print is part of a remarkable group of 18th-century Van Dyck engravings from the same Chicago collection, including other works by Sir Robert Strange. Together, they represent one of the finest assemblages of Georgian-era royal portraiture available on the market.

A museum-quality masterpiece—Sir Robert Strange's mezzotint of van Dyck's most iconic royal portrait, depicting three future monarchs of England. Plate XIV from his prestigious royal portrait series.