17th-century Persian paintings return to Windsor Castle for the first time in 150 years

The portraits are transported up the Castle’s Grand Staircase and into the King’s Dining Room, where they will be on display to the public.  Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021.

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Two newly conserved paintings by the mysterious 17th-century Armenian artist Marcos have been installed in the King’s Dining Room at Windsor Castle, 150 years since they were last recorded at the Castle in the early 1870s.

The paintings can be seen as part of a visit to Windsor Castle from Thursday, 23 September.

Staff at Windsor Castle move the portraits into place in the King’s Dining Room.  Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021.

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The striking portraits depict a member of the military aristocracy and an unmarried woman from New Julfa, the Armenian district of Isfahan, which was the cosmopolitan capital of Persia in the 17th century. Paintings of this style are known to have hung in the houses of Isfahan’s wealthy merchant classes. The figures are dressed in
luxurious fabrics including Persian silks, which the Armenians of Isfahan famously traded across the globe. Both portraits include European details, such as a Venetian wine glass, a German clock and Dutch flowers, signifying affluence through access to luxury international commodities.

A Royal Collection Trust conservator undertakes final checks before the paintings are installed in the King’s Dining Room.  Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021.

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The artist Marcos is otherwise unknown and it is not known how or when the paintings arrived in England. They were first recorded as hanging at Windsor Castle in James II’s inventory in 1688, and subsequently hung at Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. The portraits recently underwent conservation work to remove centuries’ worth of yellowed varnish, revealing an almost untouched paint surface with strong colours and patterns in the garments of the sitters.

The portraits recently underwent conservation work to remove yellowed varnish and reveal the vibrant colours beneath.  Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021.