3 OF 3

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland

3 of 3 portraits on display on Floor 2: Portraits Tell Stories at Beningbrough Hall

studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, circa 1758-1760
29 1/2 in. x 24 1/2 in. (749 mm x 622 mm)
Purchased, 1881
Primary Collection
NPG 625

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Sitterback to top

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765), General; third son of George II. Sitter associated with 45 portraits.

Artistback to top

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 1413 portraits, Sitter associated with 38 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In this portrait, probably painted between 1758 and 1760, Cumberland is wearing a blue army uniform, although he had actually resigned his commission after defeat and political embarrassment in Austria in 1757. It seems the portrait was intended for one of Cumberland's generals, who probably preferred to have his commander wearing uniform. It is one of the better of several versions of this portrait to emerge from Reynolds' studio.