About this artwork

In spite of the failed uprising of 1745-46, the Jacobites continued to cherish hopes of a Stuart Restoration.  To do so, however, they had to find a way of looking beyond their crushing defeat at the Battle of Culloden.  This print reflects their situation: showing Prince Charles Edward Stuart as a glamorous warrior in full armour, it bears the motto Ab obice major – ‘made greater by the obstacle’.  His defeat. It suggests, had only served to strengthen Charles Edward’s resolve.  This, his supporters hoped, ensured that he would return and regain the throne, a destiny symbolised by the star in the background.  In the words of a poem inscribed on another version of the print:

Tho’ God as yet forbids he wear the Crown,

His Country’s Sin’s the Cause and not his own.

But, lo! Yon Star, that glitters thro’ the Skies,

His glorious Name declares and future Rise.

Updated before 2020

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.