King George IV

Sitterback to top

• King George IV (1762-1830), Regent 1811-19; Reigned 1820-30. Sitter associated with 182 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 682 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.

This portraitback to top

As Prince of Wales, Regent, and finally King, George IV's private and public life was a scandal to the nation and a delight to satirists. Vain, self-indulgent and debauched he was, however, a man of exceptional taste and style who is best remembered for his magnificent patronage of the arts.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Holmes, Richard; Crane, David; Woof, Robert; Hebron, Stephen, Romantics and Revolutionaries: Regency portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, 2002, p. 87
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 242
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 202
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 129

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• On display at the Gallery
• Regency tour
• Swords and shields