King George III (1738–1820)
studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA (Plympton 1723 - London 1792)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1780 - circa 1785
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
2388 x 1473 mm (94 x 58 in)
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 609019
Caption
This portrait of George III shows him in full ceremonial robes, with a sceptre in his right hand. It’s pendant, of Queen Charlotte, is also at Attingham. Both pictures are later copies of the portraits painted in 1779 for the Royal Academy, now at Burlington House. Reynolds used these as models for the state portraits that he was obliged to supply when he was Painter in Ordinary to the King from 1784. They were produced by his studio until his death. A female figure, or statue, at the right, on a level with the King’s head now shows through. It is possible that Reynolds wanted to substitute a less specific setting than Westminster Abbey, which was shown in the original.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, King George III (1738–1820), studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds (Plympton 1723 - London 1792), circa 1780/85. A full-length portrait, seated on throne and wearing full ceremonial robes and holds sceptre in left hand. Pillars and drapery in background. Companion picture to 'Queen Charlotte'.
Provenance
3rd Lord Berwick collection. 1847 Catalogue of Paintings, p.21; 1861 Inventory p.226; 1913 Inventory p.63; bequeathed to the National Trust with the estate, house and contents of Attingham by Thomas Henry Noel-Hill, 8th Baron Berwick (1877-1947) on 15th May 1953.
Credit line
Attingham Park, The Berwick Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA (Plympton 1723 - London 1792), artist