Bidspirit auction | MASON CHAMBERLIN (British) 1727-1827, Portrait

MASON CHAMBERLIN (British) 1727-1827, Portrait of a Scottish Nobleman, possibly a Royal Stuart; by family repute, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), oil on canvas., half length, wearing a blue coat with gilt brocade, and draped with ermine, an armorial upper left with motto ‘Peu Et Paix’, signed centre right, M. Chambelin Pinx., 92cm x 76cm Provenance: Captain James Wolfe Murray and by decent. This work was hanging in Kincaldrum House in the mid 19th century. Kincaldrum was within the possessions of the Earls of Angus and it has been suggested this could help identify the sitter. Kincaldrum has strong links to the Jacobite rising, having been owned by an agent of the Prince, Graham Bower. The poor man was captured by forces of the Duke of Cumberland, while hiding at the house and was dragged by his hair behind a dragoons horse and sadly died of his injuries. The painting has by family repute been always described as being Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), however the armorial does not appear to relate to Charles or indeed his brother Prince Henry Benedict Stuart. Comparison with other portraits certainly show significant family resemblance particularly to Henry, post the Jacobite rising in 1745. Henry was in France and Italy during and after the rising, and perhaps there is some connection others can clarify.  Research has located a 16th century house in France bearing the motto 'Peu et Paix'. This appears to relate to the French War of Religion. . It has been suggested this may be another Stuart, possibly James, 2nd Earl of Bute or a relative of the Earl of Angus. The armorial bears an Earl's or Countess coronet (five balls). Sadly when cataloguing this work no trace of the motto or heraldry was forthcoming. If anything comes to light I will update the listing. British artist Mason Chamberlain RA is primarily known for his fine portraiture and conversation pieces. he was one of the founding members of the Royal Academy, and at ths time was highly sought after undertaking commissions for The Royal Family. He trained under Francis Hayman RA (1708-1776) and his works are held in numerous public collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the National Portrait Gallery.