A very large fine 19th century oil on canvas depicting the 1554 imprisonment of ‘Princess Elizabeth in the Tower’ by the eminent Royal Academy painter Robert Alexander Hillingford (1828-1904). The painting is signed by the artist and hangs in a fine quality, newly commissioned, bespoke gold metal leaf frame.

As with all of the original antique oil paintings we sell it is offered in the very finest condition it can be for its age, having just been professionally cleaned and re-varnished. Clients should also note that fully insured, tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.

On 18th March 1554 Princess Elizabeth -daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn – was incarcerated in the Tower of London by her sister, and rival for the English throne, Mary Tudor. The Princess’ worst fears were soon realised when a warrant for her execution was delivered to the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir John Brydges (shown in the painting standing, in armour, to the right). It was signed by every member of Mary’s Privy Council but upon examination Sir John saw that the signature of the Queen herself was absent and refused to act upon the death warrant. Although a staunch Catholic and servant of the Queen, Sir John Brydges was also a man of principle and duty and his intervention saved the life of the future Queen Elizabeth I.

Dimensions: (framed) 145cm x 95cm (57” x 37”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 127cm x 76cm (50” x 30”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: Sold at auction in 17th June 1927. Thence in private UK collection.
Presentation: Superb quality gilt metal leaf frame. All of the new frames we commission are especially made for us to order by one of the UK’s top period frame makers.
Condition: Excellent. Newly professionally cleaned, restored and re-varnished. Ready to hang.