The First Council of Queen Victoria
by WILKIE, Sir David, Oil on canvas
Wilkie’s inaccuracy as a portrait painter incurred the wrath of the young Queen Victoria and led to his dismissal on account of the failure of his State Portrait and The First Council of Queen Victoria. which she described with characteristic forthrightness as ‘one of the worst pictures I have ever seen, both as to painting and likenesses’.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 6 minutes):
Sir Edward Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March op. 39 No. 1