Charles James Fox

Sitterback to top

• Charles James Fox (1749-1806), Whig statesman. Sitter associated with 299 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Karl Anton Hickel (1745-1798). Artist associated with 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In his younger days, Fox had been identified with the 'Macaroni' fashions of the 1760s and 1770s, characterised by ostentatious dress and wigs. By the early 1780s, the trend for male dress was towards a more sober, informal style.
Although this picture was probably painted at Fox's country house, at St Anne's Hill, his buff-coloured waistcoat and blue coat and trousers here reflect the colours worn by the American revolutionaries. These colours became a sign of support for the Whigs.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 165
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 227
• Woof, Robert; Hebron, Stephen, Romantic Icons, 1999, p. 29

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• Landscapes
• Regency Empire Portraits
• Regency Style - Men