King George III (1738-1820) Reigned 1760-1820

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Ministry of Defence, Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich

This whole-length portrait of King George III shows him in Garter robes, standing by an ornately carved table. The king gestures towards a document on the table with his left hand and holds his right hand to his chest. The significance of the document on the table has yet to be ascertained.

There are three George III portraits of this type. The other two are in the collections of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Fife Council. The version in Taunton is dated 1792. Although the artist of these works has not been established with confidence, it is suggested that they are by portraitist John Hoppner.

John Hoppner, portrait painter, was born in London. He entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1775 and became a member of the Academy in 1795. He was appointed Portrait Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1789. However, from the 1790s his achievements were overshadowed by those of the portraitist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Hoppner's first royal portraits were of three of the Princesses and were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1785. They show the influence of both Romney and Reynolds. Hoppner received numerous commissions, mainly from members of the Whig party. His best and most attractive portraits are considered to be his groups of children. He died in 1810 at his home in Charles Street, Mayfair.

People

George III (1738 - 1820)

Places

Subjects

paper (as Subject), scroll (as Subject), royal portrait, rose, man, ceremonial costume, ermine, robe, sash, wig, garter, tassel, ribbon (as Subject - costume accessory), livery collar, orb, crown, King, table (as Subject)

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

John Hoppner (1758 - 1810)

Title

King George III (1738-1820) Reigned 1760-1820

Date

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 236.70 cm, width: 147.50 cm

Acquisition

Origin uncertain

Inscription

none

GAC number

0/6