Lot 250: George Perfect Harding (British, born circa 1780-1853) King Philip II of Spain (1527–1598), standing in an interior and wearing buff shoes, slashed to reveal white stockings, buff breeches and under-doublet slashed to reveal white, dark green

King Philip II of Spain (1527–1598), standing in an interior and wearing buff shoes, slashed to reveal white stockings, buff breeches and under-doublet slashed to reveal white, dark green short-sleeved doublet with red piping and standing collar, slashed to reveal white, white frilled chemise collar and cuffs, black cape trimmed with fine gold borders, black hat studded and dressed with a white plume.
Watercolour and gouache on vellum wrapped around a sheet of glass, inscription in gold on the obverse Philippus II.
Rectangular, 187mm (7 3/8in) high

Philip II was King of Spain, Portugal, Naples, Sicily, and, while briefly married to Mary I, King of England and Ireland. Also known as Philip the Prudent, he ruled one of the world's largest empires which included territories in every continent then known to Europeans.

Philip was born in Valladolid, the son of Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire, and his consort, Isabella of Portugal. During his reign, Spain was the foremost Western European power. Under his rule, Spain reached the height of its influence and power, directing explorations all around the world and settling the colonization of territories in all the known continents. The Philippines was named after him.