Prince Charles Edward Stuart (1720–1788)

Executed in the Rococo idiom prevalent in mid‑18th‑century Italy, the painting balances delicate brushwork with a polished finish. David employs a restrained palette, allowing the metallic sheen of the breastplate to stand out against the dark background. The handling of light on fabric and armor demonstrates the artist’s skill in rendering texture and depth.

Antonio David, a native of Rome and son of a portrait and religious painter, served as the official artist for the exiled Stuart court in the city. For roughly twenty years he produced works for James Francis Edward Stuart and his family, including this portrait of the prince. The painting now belongs to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.