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Description: | Acquisition: gift from Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, 1908 Description: Whole length, standing slightly to right, facing viewer; short dark hair, greying at temples; moustache; white collar and bow tie; scarlet robe with rose sleeves and facings of Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) over black dress clothes with red collar; black silk stockings and patent leather shoes with satin bows; Grand Cross of the Iron Cross with additional decorations suspended from black, white and red ribbon at neck; his right hand on his hip draws attention badge of Order of St George worn attached to end of blue Garter ribbon; four rings on fourth and little fingers of his right hand; his left holds college cap with gold tassel, and rests on the projecting corner of pedestal to right.; architectural background, a loggia opening to sky and landscape to left. The Kaiser was conferred with an honorary doctorate in civil law by Oxford University in 1907. In return he presented the university with his portrait: 'Mr Vice-Chancellor reported receipt of a portrait of the German Emperor, a gift from the Emperor to the University.' (Hebdomadal Council Acts, 18 Jan 1909, Hebdomadal Council Papers, University of Oxford Archives, HC1/1/82-85, p.ix) The portrait was first placed in the galleries of the Ashmolean Museum, but transferred to the Examination Schools in June 1909. Following the outbreak of the First World War, when the Schools were converted to become a military field hospital, the painting was taken down, rolled up and stored in the basement. It was re-hung in the South School in 1957. External Link: Oxford Portraits website | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: by Alfred Schwarz | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=894... | Go to resource |
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