King George III

by Thomas Rowlandson, published by I. Jones
hand-coloured etching, published 10 December 1781
7 1/4 in. x 6 3/8 in. (184 mm x 162 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12289

Sittersback to top

Britannia, Allegory of a nation, emblem of empire, and patriotic icon. Sitter associated with 29 portraits.
King George III (1738-1820), Reigned 1760-1820. Sitter associated with 193 portraits.

Artistsback to top

I. Jones (active 1781), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827), Satirical draughtsman. Artist or producer associated with 29 portraits, Sitter associated with 4 portraits.

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1781back to top

Current affairs

American painter John Singleton Copley, now resident in London, completes his celebrated painting The Death of the Earl of Chatham, depicting the collapse of William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham on 7 April 1778, during a debate in the House of Lords on the American War of Independence.
William Pitt the Younger, later Prime Minister, enters Parliament.

Art and science

Astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus, the first planet to be found by means of a telescope, and names it Georgium Sidus (George's Star) in honour of George III.
Artist and theatre designer Philip James De Loutherbourg presents his innovative miniature mechanical theatre, the Eidophusikon, at his house in Soho, London.

International

American War of Independence: British general Charles Cornwallis is forced to surrender at Yorktown. Maryland ratifies the Articles of Confederation - the last state to do so - completing 'the Confederation of the United States'.
Zong Massacre: 133 Africans are thrown overboard the slave ship Zong on the orders of a British slave-trader who then attempts to reclaim their value from insurers. The case becomes a landmark in the fight for abolition.

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