👑 King Charles I Portrait in Armour | 17th Century Old Master

👑 King Charles I Portrait in Armour | 17th Century Old Master

🖌 Subject & Medium

A remarkable 17th-century oil on canvas portrait of King Charles I of England, shown half-length, gazing directly at the viewer in gleaming black armour. This Old Master artwork captures the regal confidence and power of Charles I at the height of his reign — a rare and striking addition to any fine art or antique collection.

🎨 Composition & Technique

The painting presents Charles I slightly turned, exuding quiet authority. His pale skin, reddish beard, and composed expression stand out against a dark, moody background, while his black armour shimmers with refined highlights.

The colour palette is rich and sophisticated: deep blacks, warm flesh tones, crisp whites, and silvery metallic accents. The brushwork is masterful — smooth, blended strokes on the face, fine detailing on the armour and collar, and subtle shadowing that gives the portrait depth and dimension. This work belongs to the Baroque portrait tradition, inspired by Van Dyck, emphasizing both lifelike realism and grand, royal presence.

✍ Signature & Attribution

Unsigned but confidently attributed to the circle of Henry Stone (“Old Stone”), a respected English painter known for his exceptional copies of Van Dyck’s court portraits. An old verso label reading “Old Stone” supports the attribution.

👑 About King Charles I

King Charles I (1600–1649), who ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland, is one of the most iconic and tragic monarchs in British history. A staunch believer in the divine right of kings, his reign saw fierce conflicts with Parliament, the English Civil War, and ultimately his trial and execution. Yet in art, Charles I endures as a symbol of royal dignity, immortalized in portraits by Van Dyck and his followers.

👨🎨 About the Artist

Henry Stone (1616–1653), called “Old Stone,” was an accomplished English painter and master copyist, trained in Holland and Italy, famed for his reproductions of Van Dyck’s works.

Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599–1641) was the leading court painter to Charles I, shaping the iconic, aristocratic style of English portraiture for over a century.

🖼 Frame Details

Housed in a later decorative gilt composite frame, richly detailed with floral scrollwork, enhancing the painting’s historical and regal impact.

📏 Dimensions (Framed, Approx.)

• Height: 49.5 cm

• Width: 44.5 cm

• Depth: 4.5 cm

📜 Provenance

An old label on the back inscribed “Old Stone” connects the painting to Henry Stone’s circle — a collectible and historically significant attribution.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

✅ A striking royal portrait of England’s most famous monarch
✅ Attributed to the circle of Henry Stone, in Van Dyck’s influential style
✅ Rich Baroque brushwork, dramatic colours, and lifelike presence
✅ A rare collector’s piece with deep historical resonance
✅ Ready to hang and impress in your home, library, or gallery

🔍 Condition

• Fine antique condition overall

• Canvas shows craquelure, foxing, fading, and minor paint loss

• Frame has age-related wear, including small chips and minor corner separations

• Comes with hanging thread, ready for display

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece