George IV (1762-1830) 1821
Oil on canvas | 272.0 x 190.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404933
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This is a version of Lawrence's most replicated portrait of the Prince Regent, painted in 1818 wearing Garter robes and presented by the sitter to the Mansion House in Dublin (now in the Hugh Lane Gallery). This is one of four versions currently in the Royal Collection (RCIN 405680, 405309, 404933, 404384) all painted after the Coronation in 1820 at which point a crown replaces the plumed hat of the Garter on the table. The King rests one hand on a paper lying under the Imperial Crown upon the 'Table des Grands Capitaines'; he wears Garter robes with the collars of the Golden Fleece, Guelphic Order, Bath and Garter. This version is of mediocre quality and was first seen in its present location in the Waterloo Chamber in 1835.
The Waterloo Chamber is a great hall on the public route at Windsor Castle displaying portraits of those soldiers, sovereigns and diplomats responsible for the overthrow of Napoleon and the re-establishment of the monarchies and states of Europe thereafter. The concept began in 1814 when George IV used the opportunity of the Treaty of London to commission Lawrence to paint distinguished visitors. The group of portraits grew during the next decade as Lawrence continued to obtain portrait sittings at the various congresses following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and, in some cases, by making special journeys. Most of the twenty eight portraits were delivered after his death on 7 January 1830. By this time work was already begun of the space of the Waterloo Chamber created by covering a courtyard at Windsor Castle with a huge sky-lit vault; the room was completed during the reign of William IV (1830-7). The first illustration of the interior is provided by Joseph Nash (1809-78) in 1844 (RCIN 919785) and shows the arrangement which survives to this day: full-length portraits of warriors hang high, over the two end balconies and around the walls; at ground level full-length portraits of monarchs alternate with half-lengths of diplomats and statesmen.
Provenance
First recorded at Windsor Castle in 1835; hanging in the Waterloo Chamber in 1878
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
272.0 x 190.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
264.5 x 185.0 cm (sight)
267.3 x 173.2 cm (sight)