The ‘secret’ anamorphic (deliberately distorted) image of Prince Charles Edward Stuart is a mess of paint on a wooden board. When viewed through a metal cylinder placed on the tray, the portrait of the Prince is apparent as a reflection. The objects were used when drinking toasts to the exiled Prince and Stuart family. If a non Jacobite came to the house, the cylinder could be removed from the tray so hiding a person’s support for the Stuart cause. The artist who painted it is unknown.
By courtesy of the West Highland Museum © www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk