The Royal Portrait

<p>Sarah Bernhardt persuades The Prince of Wales to have Jules Bastien-Lepage paint his portrait. The physical barrier of the English Channel terrifies Jules almost as much as his friends overestimation of his abilities.</p><p>How does a French Republican paint a man who is both the leader of the Masonic movement and future King of England Emperor of India?</p><p>When the choice is between a portrait commission for a future King and being at a ceremony to receive a Legion d'Honeur which is the priority for a Frenchman.</p><p>The portrait creates problems that linger long after the artist's death.</p>