2-979-632 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tomb of the Infant Daughter of James I, in Westminster Abbey, 1857. Sophia Stuart, daughter of King James VI and I and Anne of Denmark, was born on 22 June 22 1606 and died the next day, on 23 June. The monument was designed by Maximilian Colt and painted and gilded by John de Critz. 'In the north aisle of Henry VII.'s Chapel...is [a] simple and somewhat appropriate tomb... This monument...is in shape like the old-fashioned cradle, and is composed of cream-coloured marble; parts are ornamented with the richly-carved diaper pattern so much in use in the days of Queen Elizabeth and King James. In the cradle, the head resting on a cushion, is the effigy of the little child, very finely sculptured, and which looks like a portrait. Over the lower part of the figure is a coverlet, also covered with profuse ornament. The whole has probably been highly coloured and gilt, and must have had a very beautiful effect'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.