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King William IV

(1765-1837), Reigned 1830-37

Early Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter associated with 175 portraits
William IV ruled from 1830-37. He succeeded to the throne just as the campaign for Parliamentary reform reached its peak. He reluctantly agreed to create the extra Whig peers needed to pass the Reform Act in 1832, although his proved unnecessary when the Tories withdrew their opposition to the Act. On his death, Victoria his niece became queen. Despite having ten illegitimate children from his twenty-year relationship with Mrs Jordan, William had no heir from his official marriage to Princess Adelaide.

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King William IV, by Richard Cosway - NPG L176

King William IV

by Richard Cosway
watercolour on ivory, circa 1789
NPG L176

King William IV, by Sir Martin Archer Shee - NPG 2199

King William IV

by Sir Martin Archer Shee
oil on canvas, circa 1800
On display in Room 15 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 2199

King William IV, after a drawing by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey - NPG 316a(141)

King William IV

after a drawing by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
tracing, 1837, based on a work of 1830
NPG 316a(141)

King William IV, by and published by Valentine Green, after  Benjamin West - NPG D33544

King William IV

by and published by Valentine Green, after Benjamin West
mezzotint, published 1 February 1780
NPG D33544

King William IV, published for London Magazine - NPG D14944

King William IV

published for London Magazine
line engraving, published January 1781
NPG D14944

King William IV, by Francesco Bartolozzi, and by  Paul Sandby, published by  Antonio Cesare Poggi, after  Benjamin West - NPG D33545

King William IV

by Francesco Bartolozzi, and by Paul Sandby, published by Antonio Cesare Poggi, after Benjamin West
line and stipple engraving and aquatint, published 15 January 1782
NPG D33545

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