George IV when Prince of Wales

portrait

George IV (1762-1830) was king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and king of Hanover following the death of his father, George III, on 29 January 1820, until his own death ten years later. Throughout his adult life, George was an important artistic patron, acquiring an impressive collection of art and patronising architects and designers, most notably at Brighton.

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About the Artist

Sir William Beechey

1753 – 1839

English portrait painter. He was originally meant for a conveyancer, but a strong love for painting induced him to become a pupil at the Royal Academy in 1772. Some of his smaller portraits gained him considerable reputation; he began to be employed by the nobility, and in 1793 became associate of the Royal Academy. He painted many notabilities, including Nelson and Mrs. Siddons. He executed in all 364 portraits. Beechey's careful, somewhat insipid style changed little throughout his successful career. He was appointed portrait painter to Queen Charlotte in 1793 and was knighted in 1798 in recognition of his most ambitious painting, the huge Review of the Horse Guard with King George III and the Prince of Wales (formerly Royal Collection; destroyed in the fire at Windsor Castle, 1992).

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