Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales

Sitterback to top

• Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales (1707-1751), Son of George II; father of George III. Sitter associated with 35 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Philip Mercier (1691-1760), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 26 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Frederick, Prince of Wales did not move to England until 1728. The following year he appointed the German-born Philip Mercier (1691-1760) as his 'Principal Portrait Painter'. Mercier, who later worked in York, was responsible for introducing the rococo style from France. This can be seen in this elegant and informal portrait of the Prince. A departure from more stolid royal portraits, Mercier's work spoke volumes about the Prince's passion for art and his fierce opposition to the King.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 80
• Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 144
• Ribeiro, Aileen, The Gallery of Fashion, 2000, p. 111
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 230

Subject/Themeback to top

• Beningbrough Hall