JAMES ROBERTS (C. 1800-67)
Queen Victoria's Birthday Table at Osborne House, 24 May 1861
dated 1861RCIN 919874
A watercolour depicting a detailed view of the Birthday Table; 'Aurora' by Emma Richards is seen on the end wall behind a table, which is full of gifts from the children. 'View of the Konigs See' by F.Roffiaen is on the end wall as well.
The delight in giving gifts at birthdays, Christmas and on wedding anniversaries was an activity shared by the whole royal family. Presents would be displayed on and around a special table. This watercolour records the elaborate table and decorations set out for the Queen’s birthday, 24 May 1861. Among the Queen’s gifts on this occasion can be seen pictures by Princess Alice and Emma Gaggiotti Richards, a portrait of the Duchess of Kent after Winterhalter, a Berlin card tray, and a Sèvres dish.
Signed lower right: Js Roberts / Osborne; inscribed along bottom edge: London / Frogmore / CLAREMON[T] / DUBLIN / IRELAND / ENGLAND / SCOTLAND / EDINBORO / OXFORD / Cambridge / Kensington
Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010