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Lot 214
Roman School, 18th Century
Portrait of Prince Henry Benedict Stuart, Cardinal York (1725-1807), half-length, in Cardinal's robes, a letter in his right hand
Closed29 October 2008
Price Realised
GBP 3,750
More Information
Specialist note
Prince Henry Benedict Clement Stuart (1725-1807) was the younger son of Prince James, the Old Pretender. His father bestowed on him the Duchy of York and he was known as Cardinal York. He was ordained Cardinal on 3 July 1747, and Archbishop of Corinth on 19 November 1759, a move which had a detrimental effect on Jacobite support in England.
On the outbreak of the French Revolution the Cardinal's resources were drastically reduced by the loss of two rich livings granted him by the King of France, and in 1799 his residence at Frascati was sacked and he was forced to flee to Venice. On the verge of destitution, Sir John Coxe Hippisley petitioned the English Government on his behalf and George III immediately sent a gift of money. With his death on 13 July 1807 the direct male line of James II came to an end.
On the outbreak of the French Revolution the Cardinal's resources were drastically reduced by the loss of two rich livings granted him by the King of France, and in 1799 his residence at Frascati was sacked and he was forced to flee to Venice. On the verge of destitution, Sir John Coxe Hippisley petitioned the English Government on his behalf and George III immediately sent a gift of money. With his death on 13 July 1807 the direct male line of James II came to an end.