2-995-766 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Her Majesty the Queen of Spain, 1860. 'In person Isabella inherits much of the comeliness of her mother. She is above the middle height, well-proportioned, with rich auburn hair, and soft, expressive blue eyes, which impart a most winning expression to her countenance; and, added to an extremely courteous and affable manner, a fine, high spirit, and a munificent generosity, give her an extraordinary ascendancy over all who come into her presence...Against the life of a Sovereign with such claims upon the affection of her subjects, and who is withal so charitable, so amiable, humane, and gentle, it is strange that any wretch could be found ruthless enough to raise his hand; yet twice has the attempt been made to assassinate Queen Isabella, only on each occasion to evoke that courage and kindliness which are among the numerous good traits in her character. Her charities, dispensed without ostentation to distressed objects of compassion even among the enemies of her reign, absorb a very large portion of her privy purse, and these, and her faithful adherence to the principles on which her throne is based, have won for her sceptre and her person an amount of warm, genuine, loyalty and affection among her people in all parts of Spain'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.