William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65)

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Royal College of Defence Studies, Seaford House, Belgrave Square

This portrait is has been cut down and is thought to be the ‘anonymous whole length’ portrait of the Duke mentioned by John Kerslake in his catalogue of 'Early Georgian Portraits'. Kerslake dates the portrait to c.1745 and states that it could be the work of artist and printseller Arthur Pond (c.1701-1758). Kerslake also notes that the picture ‘is splendidly framed with military attributes’, including axes, spiked daggers and pistols. These serve to enhance this soldier’s ruthless and warmongering reputation. Other notable portraits of the Duke of Cumberland, painted by David Morier and Sir Joshua Reynolds, are in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Places

Subjects

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

David Morier (c.1705 - 1770)

Title

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65)

Date

c.1750

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 158.50 cm, width: 114.00 cm

Acquisition

Transferred from the Ministry of Defence, April 2017

Provenance

Bought by Lord Lee of Fareham from Christie's, 24 February 1922 (Lot 104). Given by him to the Admiralty (according to Viscount Cilcecin, "Admiralty House, Whitehall" (Country Life 1960))

GAC number

4474