Description

Title: 17th Century Oil Painting Royal King Charles I in Armour Circle Henry Stone

Description:

Fine English 17th Century Old Master Oil Painting | Royal Portrait King Charles I in Armour | Circle of Henry Stone

Subject & Medium
A magnificent 17th-century oil on canvas portrait of King Charles I of England, shown half-length, gazing confidently at the viewer, clad in polished black armour. Titled King Charles 1st. This Old Master work beautifully captures the regal authority and calm determination of Charles I at the height of his reign — a rare, museum-worthy piece of British royal portraiture.

Composition & Technique
The composition presents Charles I slightly turned, in a dignified pose that emphasizes his noble bearing and commanding presence. His pale, luminous skin, reddish-brown beard, and softly curled hair are rendered with great sensitivity, contrasting against the dark, lustrous armour and the rich, deep brown background.

The colour palette is dramatic and sophisticated — velvety blacks, glistening silvers, crisp whites, and soft flesh tones — creating a portrait that balances quiet realism with grand, symbolic power. The brushwork is a masterful blend of smooth, delicate modeling on the face and hands, sharp detailing in the armour’s reflective surfaces, and subtle, atmospheric handling of the background.

Belonging firmly to the Baroque portrait tradition, the work draws heavily on Van Dyck’s elegant court style, emphasizing both physical likeness and the sitter’s elevated royal status.

? Signed
Unsigned, but confidently attributed to the circle of Henry Stone (“Old Stone”), a prominent 17th-century English painter known for his faithful copies of Van Dyck’s masterpieces. The reverse bears an old label marked “Old Stone”, further supporting the attribution.

About King Charles I (1600–1649)
Charles I was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his dramatic execution in 1649. Born into the House of Stuart, Charles believed deeply in the divine right of kings — a conviction that shaped his reign but also led to increasing conflict with Parliament.

His rule was marked by disputes over royal authority, taxation, and religious reform, which alienated many subjects. Charles’s efforts to impose Anglican practices on Scotland triggered the Bishops’ Wars, and his tensions with Parliament escalated into the English Civil War. After his defeat, Charles was captured, tried, and executed for treason — the first English monarch to face such a fate.

Despite his fall, Charles I’s image — shaped largely by Van Dyck’s portraits — endures as one of regal grace, tragic dignity, and political drama, making this artwork an evocative window into a pivotal chapter of British history.

?About the Artist
Henry Stone (1616–1653), nicknamed “Old Stone,” was a respected English painter and copyist, trained in Holland and Italy, who became renowned for his excellent reproductions of Van Dyck and other Old Masters. His works reflect the elegance, detail, and grandeur characteristic of the Baroque era.

Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599–1641), the celebrated Flemish master, served as principal court painter to Charles I, creating some of the most iconic and influential royal portraits in British art history.

Frame
Set in a later decorative composite gilt frame, richly ornamented with floral and scroll details that amplify the portrait’s regal impact and historical charm.

Dimensions Framed
Height: 49.5 cm
Width: 44.5 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm

Provenance
Features an old verso label marked “Old Stone”, attributing the work to Henry Stone’s circle, closely linked to the Van Dyck tradition — a rare and valuable connection for collectors and historians. Now curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Why You’ll Love It
A striking, atmospheric portrait of England’s most famous and tragic monarch
Attributed to the circle of Henry Stone, after Van Dyck’s legendary style
Exquisite Baroque detail, bold colours, and refined brushwork
A rare collector’s item, rich in royal and political history
Ready to hang — an eye-catching, conversation-starting piece for your home, study, or gallery

Condition Report

Fine antique, worn condition
Canvas shows craquelure, foxing, fading, and areas of paint loss
Frame displays age-related wear, including small chips and corner separation
Comes with hanging thread, ready for immediate display

?
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Reserve: $13,700.00

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Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%

17th Century Oil Painting Royal King Charles I in Armour Circle Henry Stone

Name: 17th Century Oil Painting Royal King Charles I in Armour Circle Henry Stone
SKU: 225794244
Price: 6500 USD
Availability: InStock