William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland
12 of 1345 portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds
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William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland
studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds
oil on canvas, circa 1758-1760
29 1/2 in. x 24 1/2 in. (749 mm x 622 mm)
Purchased, 1881
Primary Collection
NPG 625
Sitterback to top
- William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765), General; third son of George II. Sitter associated with 45 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 1415 portraits, Sitter associated with 39 portraits.
This portraitback to top
In this portrait, probably painted between 1758 and 1760, Cumberland is wearing a blue army uniform, although he had actually resigned his commission after defeat and political embarrassment in Austria in 1757. It seems the portrait was intended for one of Cumberland's generals, who probably preferred to have his commander wearing uniform. It is one of the better of several versions of this portrait to emerge from Reynolds' studio. More detailed information on this portrait is available in a National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue, John Kerslake's Early Georgian Portraits (1977, out of print).
Related worksback to top
- NPG D32906: William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (after)
- NPG D32907: William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (after)
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 158
Events of 1758back to top
Current affairs
Comet observed in previous centuries returns exactly at the time predicted by astronomer Edmond Halley and is subsequently known by his name.Art and science
Liverpool-born artist George Stubbs sets up in London as a painter.James Woodforde, an English country parson, begins a detailed diary of everyday life, which is later published as Diary of a Country Parson.
International
Seven Years' War: British General John Forbes captures the strategic French stronghold Fort Duquesne and renames it Pittsburgh after British Secretary of State, William Pitt the Elder. British troops capture Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.Pope Clement XIII succeeds Pope Benedict XIV as the 248th pope.
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