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1 of 253523 objects
The Marriage of Princess Mary, 28th February 1922 c.1922-32
Oil on canvas | 152.8 x 254.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404482
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This painting records the marriage of Princess Mary (1897-1965) to Henry, Viscount Lascelles, later 6th Earl of Harwood (1882-1947) at Westminster Abbey. The Archbishop of Canterbury has just joined the hands of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles; King George V stands to the right; members of the Royal Family including Queen Mary to the left, with the portrait of Richard II in the background.
In his autobiography Salisbury recounted that he had been asked by the King to paint a small picture of Princess Mary's wedding… 'the seats for the Royal family were arranged with an unfortunate background, and [I] suggested that they should sit on the side with the tapestry and the famous portrait of Richard II as a background. To my delight I heard the next day that this position had been decided upon… The ceremony was of great beauty, and at times the sun shone on the stately uniforms of the princes…and on the charming figures of the queens and the princesses.' However, the painting troubled Salisbury and it took him a number of years to complete. 'The canvas was in the studio for well over two years. Just one portrait would hold it back for weeks.'
Salisbury also painted a work entitled 'The Signing of the Register' for Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles. This was shown at the Grafton Gallery in an exhibition of Salisbury's recent works in 1929.Provenance
Commissioned by King George V and Quen Mary
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Creator(s)
Subject(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
152.8 x 254.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
182.5 x 284.1 x 8.5 cm (frame, external)
Alternative title(s)
The Marriage of Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, with Henry, Viscount Lascelles.