This and the portrait of Edward III (RCIN 404044) were apparently produced as a pair for Charles I in the 1630s. The two pictures represent the two principal figures responsible for the foundation of the Order of the Garter and are among the earliest indications of an interest in recording the history of the Order. They are also among the earliest examples of historical and ancestral portraits, for which there was an increasing vogue later in the century. Both pictures are reasonably accurate evocations of the general outlines of late fourteenth century armour, although there are inaccuracies in the details. The portrait does not bear resemblance to the bronze effigy above the Prince's tomb in Canterbury Cathedral and the sword appears to date from the seventeenth century. Known as Edward of Woodstock during his lifetime, the title of 'The Black Prince' may refer to his black armour. The Prince was the first Knight of the Garter and was one of the founders of the Order, together with his father Edward III. As a result of the Prince's death a year before his father he never ascended to the throne, however his son would later rule as Richard II.