King George III
1 portrait by Benjamin Smith
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King George III
by Benjamin Smith, published by John Boydell, after Sir William Beechey
stipple engraving, published 2 March 1812
17 5/8 in. x 13 1/2 in. (448 mm x 343 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D18949
Sitterback to top
- King George III (1738-1820), Reigned 1760-1820. Sitter associated with 194 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Sir William Beechey (1753-1839), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 252 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
- John Boydell (1720-1804), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 132 portraits, Sitter in 13 portraits.
- Benjamin Smith (circa 1754-1833), Engraver, printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 16 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1812back to top
Current affairs
Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.
Art and science
Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.
International
United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.
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