The Apotheosis of Prince Alfred and Prince Octavius

An engraving done by the engraver Robert Strange (1721-1792) of a painting by Benjamin West (1738-1820) titled The Apotheosis of Prince Alfred and Prince Octavius in 1786. George III was so enthralled by the engraving that he knighted Strange for it. In the Gentleman's Magazine of January 1787 the following was written about this work "Mr Strange had the honour of presenting to Their Majesties at the Queen's Palace, some fine impressions of the Apotheosis of the Princes Octavius and Alfred, which he has lately engraved from a picture painted by Mr West, in the royal collection. Their Majesties were graciously pleased to express the highest approbation of this last work of Mr Strange; and in consequence thereof, he was afterwards introduced at the levee at St. James, when His Majesty was pleased to confer on him the honour of knighthood". Prince Alfred (1780-1782) and Prince Octavius (1779-1783) both died in 1782/83 of Smallpox and the painting is of their elevation to divine status.