#1640's

The Virgin in Prayer, c. 1640, by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (1609–1685)

Artist: Knüpfer, Nicolaes (1609-1655)

Details of Girl in a Blue Dress, 1641, by Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck (c. 1600-1662)

From the Museo de la Moda

Made by the British Army during the English Civil War (1641-1651). Initials ‘CR’ surrounding a crown. This is presumed to refer to ‘Carolus Rex’ – King Charles I. This tool would have been used to mark ‘ownership’ of Royalist army deserters. The metal spikes on the hand are blunt. Perhaps they are dulled through use or perhaps it is deliberate to inflict more pain. However, they were likely heated first to burn the imprint in. Branding was abolished in 1829 with the exception of army deserters. The mark was then tattooed on the body, not branded with irons. The practice was totally abandoned in 1879.

Portrait of Maria Farnese by Matteo Loves, ca 1630's-40's Italy, Museo delle Arti e della Storia, Ginevra

Lady in a Blue Satin Dress by Gonzales Coques, ca 1640-85 the Netherlands, Cannon Hall Museum

Anne d'Autriche, reine de France by Charles Beaubrun, mid-17th century, Versailles