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

• Richard Cosway (1742-1821), Miniature painter. Artist associated with 96 portraits, Sitter in 15 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This miniature depicts George, Prince of Wales in Van Dyck-style masquerade costume with a heavily powdered grey wig. It is mounted in a fine gold locket with a 'true-love' lock of plaited hair on the reverse. The precious and intimate nature of this object suggests that it was intended as a love-token for either Mrs Fitzherbert or Mrs Crouch, the Prince's two lovers in 1792.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 241
• Walker, Richard, Miniatures: 300 Years of the English Miniature, 1998, p. 93
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 200

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Miniatures
• On display at the Gallery