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'Affability' (Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; King George III)

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- subject matching 'King George III'

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'Affability' (Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz; King George III)

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 10 February 1795
13 7/8 in. x 9 7/8 in. (353 mm x 250 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12518

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
  • Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 720 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

King George III's simple ways and interest in rural matters earned him the nickname 'Farmer George'. Here he wanders around one of the three farms he established at Windsor eagerly engaging the startled villagers in awkward conversation. Gillray nearly always portrayed George III in profile, probably in satiric allusion to the idealised official likeness to be found on English coins. A shrunken Queen Charlotte links his arm, looking ill at ease and clutching her snuffbox. The artist's depiction of her here is not as savage as it sometimes could be. For reasons that have never been fully explained, Gillray treated Queen Charlotte with particular venom. Her plain looks and bony physique made her an easy target.

Placesback to top

Events of 1795back to top

Current affairs

George, Prince of Wales is forced to marry Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick, despite having secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1785.
Widespread rioting prompts the introduction of the Speenhamland system of welfare supplements which are linked to the price of bread.
Treasonable Practices Act is passed against open criticism of government.

Art and science

The MP Matthew Gregory 'Monk' Lewis publishes his notorious gothic novel The Monk to success and scandal because of its immoral content.
Mungo Park explores the course of the River Niger.

International

Wolfe Tone, founder of The Society of United Irishmen, departs for America after being implicated in high treason in Ireland. Exiled in Philadelphia, he soon leaves for France to ask revolutionaries for assistance.
Joseph Haydn composes the English Canzonettas during his second stay in London.

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