Queen Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1683–1737)

This 1716 portrait of Queen Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach, then Princess of Wales, depicts one of the most intellectually distinguished consorts in British royal history. Caroline was a patron of learning and science who corresponded with Leibniz about metaphysics, supported Isaac Newton's priority over Leibniz in the calculus controversy, and influenced British philosophy and theology through her patronage and conversation. As queen from 1727, she wielded considerable political influence through her partnership with Robert Walpole. Kneller's portrait captures her at the beginning of her time in England, before the full expression of the intellectual influence she would exercise over British cultural life.

The royal portrait presents Caroline with regal dignity and fashionable elegance, Kneller's experienced brush rendering the rich court costume and the princess's composed features with practiced confidence.