I was going to see this exhibition: Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits. I didn’t think I was in the wrong room, so I took a look at the portraits on display here. Many of the characters in it are from the period of Britain’s rise in the world in the 17th century. I didn’t read the exhibition introduction very carefully, mainly observing the costume of the characters. The intricate designs also show the luxurious side of the royal family, but the beautiful clothes really fascinate me.
When I first saw this picture, I was shocked. I thought the man’s eyes were a bit sinister. Later, I found that he was a captain in the Spanish Navy. He was a man who had conquered the sea. No wonder his eyes were so sharp.
Charles I and the Spanish captain were contemporaries, but you can see the difference in costume. The Spanish captain’s costume still retained elements of the early Baroque era, while Charles I’s clothing was heavily influenced by French baroque.
Here are some earlier photos of royalty in Britain and other countries. You can see the changes in costume brought about by the changing times.