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King George the Fourth

January 1, 1829
Not on view
This print reproduces an important portrait of George IV that Sir Thomas Lawrence painted in 1822 shortly after the subject became king (now Wallace Collection, London). Facing the viewer, George sits on a sofa, extends his left arm along its rail and wears a dark fur-lined frogged coat and breeches. The Garter Star is pinned to his breast, a jeweled Garter encircles one calf, and the Order of the Golden Fleece hangs on a ribbon about his neck. At right, gloves emerge from an over-turned top-hat, as though hurriedly put down after a walk. Papers on the sofa, together with an ink-stand on the ormolu table at right hint at official duties while a landscape behind adds atmospheric movement. The image demonstrates Lawrence's masterly ability to use pose and dress to convey personality, creating an inviting image that also reminds us of the subject's rank.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: King George the Fourth
  • Engraver: William Finden (British, London 1787–1852 London)
  • Artist: After Sir Thomas Lawrence (British, Bristol 1769–1830 London)
  • Publisher: Moon, Boys & Graves (London, active 1827–36)
  • Sitter: George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland (British, London 1762–1830 Windsor)
  • Date: January 1, 1829
  • Medium: Mixed method engraving
  • Dimensions: Plate: 27 1/8 × 18 5/16 in. (68.9 × 46.5 cm)
    Sheet: 27 9/16 × 21 7/16 in. (70 × 54.5 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
  • Object Number: 49.40.300
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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