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King George II

7 of 57 portraits of King George II

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King George II

by or after Thomas Worlidge
oil on canvas, circa 1753
49 1/2 in. x 39 1/4 in. (1257 mm x 997 mm)
Purchased, 1868
Primary Collection
NPG 256

Sitterback to top

  • King George II (1683-1760), Reigned 1727-60. Sitter associated with 57 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Thomas Worlidge (1700-1766), Painter and etcher. Artist or producer associated with 51 portraits, Sitter associated with 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This profile portrait shows the King with the star of a Knight of the Garter. There is no evidence to suggest that the portrait was painted from the life. It relates closely to an etching by the artist made in 1753. 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).

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Linked publicationsback to top

Events of 1753back to top

Current affairs

After a month's absence, servant Elizabeth Canning returns to her mother's house claiming that she was abducted. The following trial causes uproar and becomes one of the most famous criminal mysteries of the century.
Hardwicke's Marriage Act (named after its champion Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke) is passed, aimed at preventing clandestine marriages.



Art and science

Artist Joshua Reynolds establishes his portrait practice in London.
Swiss painter and pastellist Jean-Etienne Liotard arrives in London where he enjoys great success until his departure in 1756.


International

George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley.
First steam engine arrives in the American colonies.
First official celebration of St Patrick's Day on 17 March, organised by the Charitable Irish Society in Boston.
Britain, Austria and Modena sign a secret military treaty.

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