The Sobieskis and Stuarts. Portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, Robert E. Förster, c. 1848

after Louis Tocqué (1748)
gouache on ivory, c. 1848
private collection

This miniature by Robert Förster (c. 1817–1898), a Fellow of the Royal Academy in London, depicts the second of two lost portraits of Prince Charles painted when he was in Paris after his return from Scotland. The first, dated to 1747–1748, was the work of Maurice Quentin de La Tour. This was an important period in the prince’s life: Charles had escaped to France after his failed attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne and dramatic defeat at the Battle of Culloden (1746). However, the second portrait, reproduced here, does not present a man broken in defeat, but one displaying energy and confidence. His determination to fight for his cause is emphasised by his military attire and armour.

The original portrait by Louis Toqué (1696–1772) was completed in January 1748. Charles gave it to his cousin and first great love, Marie-Louise de Rohan, Duchess of Montbazon, née de La Tour d’Auvergne. She was the daughter of Maria Karolina Sobieska, Duchess of Bouillon by marriage, the elder sister of Clementina. Her husband, Jules Hercule de Rohan, Duke of Montbazon, was aide-de-camp to Prince Henry Stuart in 1745–1746.