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 Francis Leggatt Chantrey (1781-1841), Sculptor. Artist associated with 266 portraits, Sitter in 11 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Chantrey secured a number of royal commissions, helping to define the public image of three monarchs. This drawing was made for a marble bust, possibly commissioned by the king himself. Chantrey was aware of the disparity between the king's public and private persona, evident in the differences between his drawing and the idealised bust. In one anecdote he described how the king would receive him, 'in bed in a dirty flannel waistoat and cotton nightcap…he generally walked about his room all morning in bare legs.' The bust proved lucrative for Chantrey, his studio made a version every year. Chantrey's bronze equestrian statue of George IV is in Trafalgar Square.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• From Pencil to Chisel: Sir Francis Chantrey’s Portrait Drawings (2 April 2011 - 20 November 2011)

Portrait setback to top

• Preliminary drawings for busts and statues by Sir Francis Chantrey, circa 1807-40