George Sackville Germain, Viscount Sackville (1716-1785)
Thomas Gainsborough RA (Sudbury 1727 - London 1788)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1784
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
1275 x 1070 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Knole, Kent
NT 129926
Caption
Lord George Sackville, a notable soldier and politician, was a large and authoritative figure and, of all the Sackvilles, came close to achieving the highest office. Although he provoked serious controversy after being accused of disobeying orders to charge at the Battle of Minden (1759), he went on to become Secretary of State for America in Lord North’s cabinet during the War of Independence. He became Lord George Germain in 1770 (in recognition of his position as the heir of Lady Elizabeth (Betty) Germain (see 129847)) and went on to live at Drayton House, the Germain seat. His eldest son would later become the 5th (and last) Duke of Dorset.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, George Sackville Germain, Viscount Sackville (1716-1785), by Thomas Gainsborough RA (Sudbury 1727 - London 1788), c.1784. A three-quarter-length portrait, seated on red upholstered chair. The sitter facing, wearing a powdered bag-wig, with chestnut brown velvet coat lined in white silk and embroidered with gold, a white silk waistcoat with gold edging and embroidered 'fish-scale' pattern, black breeches and dress sword. In the crook of his proper left arm is a tricorn hat, he holds an inscribed sheet of paper in his proper right hand.
Provenance
Possibly purchased by John, 3rd Duke of Dorset (1745-99); first recorded at Knole in 1793, thence by descent; accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by H M Government and allocated to the National Trust for Knole, 2021.
Makers and roles
Thomas Gainsborough RA (Sudbury 1727 - London 1788), artist