William Joy, (British, 1803-1867) and John Cantiloe Joy (British, 1806-1866)

The debarkation of King Louis Philippe at Portsmouth, October 1844

The debarkation of King Louis Philippe at Portsmouth, October 1844
watercolour
34 x 54.6cm (13 3/8 x 21 1/2in).

Provenance
The Estate of Sir Richard Prince-Smith.

On the 8th of October 1844, King Louis Philippe of France arrived in Portsmouth aboard the sail-paddle steamer Gomer for an official visit to see Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. King Louis was greeted by Prince Albert, the Duke of Wellington, and other dignitaries, whilst crowds of people lined the shore to welcome him. Alongside the brothers William and John Joy, several artists documented this momentous event including Turner and Thomas Sewell Robins.

The level of detail in the present work is fantastic. The harbour is teeming with boats, packed with passengers eager to welcome the French King. Large numbers of the crowd - even the crew on the yardarms of the British ships - hold out there hats in greeting. The naval ships fire a salute and one can imagine the sound of this combined with the huge cheering crowds. The King himself is visible ascending the steps off his ship towards the British royal standard, presumably denoting the presence of Prince Albert. The work truly highlights the ceremony of an important state visit during this period.

A very similar work by William Joy and John Cantiloe Joy is in the collection of the British Embassy in Paris.