Ferdinand Krumbholz (1810-1878) trained first at the Vienna Academy and subsequently in Rome (1830-2). During the mid-1840s, on the recommendation of Prince Louis (1814-96), Duc d’Nemours and brother-in-law to the sitter of this portrait, Krumbholz set up residence in Portugal where he painted not only the royal couple but other prominent members of the court. He later visited both Brazil and Calcutta where he resided during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

This portrait depicts Queen Victoria’s cousin, Ferdinand II, King of Portugal. Wearing a white waistcoat with the riband and star of the Portugese Order of the Three Crosses, the prince is seen in at almost half length, gazing directly at the viewer.

On March 20th 1838, Queen Victoria wrote of her cousin to her uncle Leopold, King of the Belgians (1790-1865): ‘He is so truly excellent and kind and good, and endears himself so much by his simplicity and good-heartedness. I may venture to say that no one has his prosperity and happiness more at heart than I have.'