Charles II Presented with a Pineapple

by an unknown artist
ca. 1675–80

Royal Collection Trust RCIN 406896

From the Royal Collection Trust:

Charles II, wearing star of the Garter, stands on a terrace, his left hand on hip. To the left, a man, possibly John Rose, the royal gardener, kneels before him and presents him with what is said to have been the first pineapple grown in England (although at this date it is more likely that the pineapple had been imported). Pineapples in the seventeenth century were rare and highly valued exotic items. In the background is a formal garden and large house, possibly that of Dorney House, near Oatlands Park. Several versions of the composition exist - that at Houghton Hall is attributed to Hendrick Danckerts. The painting may have been painted to comemorate the death of Rose in 1677. To add credence to this date Charles II is depicted without a moustache and it was in 1677 that he shaved it off.