Portrait of Prince Frederick of Great Britain 1754

Curator: This is Jean-Étienne Liotard’s pastel portrait of Prince Frederick of Great Britain, dating from 1754, part of the Royal Collection here at Buckingham Palace. What’s your take, as you’re looking at this, especially in relation to Liotard? Editor: Well, first blush? The intensity. It's unnerving and quite stunning to me that this rendering—executed with pastels, no less—captures such directness, it seems almost unsettling… Liotard’s earlier works in other mediums do not quite reach this feeling! Curator: Indeed. The intensity emanates from this sharp focus and unyielding, forward gaze that pierces through—typical of Liotard—doesn't it? And think about pastel itself—its delicate materiality allowing a level of subtlety difficult to achieve with oil paints. Look at how that delicate facture adds a certain youthfulness to the piece! Editor: Yes, and the simplicity of the color palette here seems intentional. It is predominantly a vivid scarlet coat, framed by lace, contrasted against the deep chocolate ground of the background which creates almost a dreamlike, theatrical setting. Is it that simplicity you note also that gives it a ‘Rococo’ feel to it? Curator: Certainly, it’s not all cherubs and fluffy clouds! The focus on the Prince alone creates an intimate, intense encounter with royalty that goes against expectations, also enhanced by the smooth application of the pigments, blending perfectly. Editor: You are right, there is almost an anti-aristocratic sentiment. It seems far away from some of those later pompous portraiture paintings of the late 1700s! Also, to my point earlier on unsettling emotions: do we know the prince well enough, to tell that his almost aggressive eye contact wasn’t also caused by a particularly unpleasant sitting experience?! Curator: Haha, it's hard to say now. One can only wonder what went through the mind of Prince Frederick when facing Liotard’s rather…direct gaze! Editor: All I can say is that, past the intense stares, this rendering makes you realise what pastel colours can also create: strong, beautiful, memorable visual feelings that stand the test of time. Curator: Exactly! A bold experiment of light and colour from a master artist in a new way, making this artwork utterly captivating.