Frederick, Duke of York and Albany

Sitterback to top

• Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (1763-1827), Son of George III; Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Sitter associated with 70 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841), Painter. Artist associated with 15 portraits, Sitter in 21 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Although Wilkie took sittings for this portrait in his Kensington studio he depicted the Duke at home in York House. The paper he reads may be the 'Horse Guards Memorandum' of 1822 that ordered a new type of sword for general officers; both old and new types of sword are found in the picture. The portrait was commissioned by the Duke's military secretary, Sir Willoughby Gordon in 1818, and still in its original frame of a type associated with Wilkie.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 684
• Simon, Jacob, The Art of the Picture Frame: Artists, Patrons and the Framing of Portraits in Britain, 1997 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 November 1996 - 9 February 1997), p. 103
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 581

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Carpets and textiles
• On display at the Gallery
• Pets and animals
• Reading