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‘Cardinal Richelieu at the Château de Rueil’ by Robert Alexander Hillingford (1828-1904).
The painting – which depicts a scene from Act 3 of Edward Bulwer‐Lytton’s play ‘Richelieu; or, The Conspiracy’ – is signed by the artist and presented in a fine quality gold metal leaf frame.
In Bulwer-Lytton’s play about the life of the famous 17th century French cardinal and statesman, Richelieu attempts to thwart King Louis XIII’s amorous designs on his ward Julie de Mortemar by marrying her off to the young Chevalier de Mauprat. The play is remembered today for Richelieu’s famous line, “The pen is mightier than the sword”.
All of our paintings are offered in the finest condition they can be for their age having been newly professionally cleaned, conserved, and re-varnished. Clients should also note that tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.
Robert Alexander Hillingford was a highly successful Victorian painter of historical and literary scenes who became most famous for his portrayals of the Napoleonic Wars. Between 1864 and 1902 Hillingford exhibited 29 works at the Royal Academy, and numerous others the British Institution and the Royal Society of British Artists in London.
‘The Hillingford Chronicles’, a detailed account of the life and work of the artist, is now available via the News & Articles page of the Academy Fine Paintings website.
Dimensions: (framed) 69cm x 85cm (27” x 33½”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 51cm x 66cm (20” x 26”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: Private UK collection.
Presentation: Newly commissioned bespoke gold 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: Very good. Newly professionally cleaned, restored, and re-varnished. Ready to hang.