Artwork
George III (1738-1820), koning van Engeland
George III (1738-1820), koning van Engeland is a copper painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Heinrich von Hurter. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Johann Heinrich von Hurter’s 1790 portrait presents King George III of Great Britain on a modestly sized oval copper panel. The work belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies a refined, personal likeness rather than a grand state image.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, George III, appears in a relaxed pose, his head turned slightly from the viewer. Dressed in a dark purple coat trimmed with gold buttons and a crisp white cravat, the portrait emphasizes his regal bearing while retaining an intimate, approachable quality.
Technique & Style
Executed on copper, the painting benefits from the metal’s smooth surface, allowing fine detail and a luminous sheen. Light falls across the monarch’s face, enhancing the texture of his hair and the sheen of the fabric, while the dark, unadorned background isolates the figure and heightens the sense of elegance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1790, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains displayed as part of the museum’s European portrait collection. Its small dimensions and gold frame suggest it may have been intended for private viewing or as a portable likeness.
Context
The late eighteenth century saw a rise in intimate portraiture for royalty, reflecting both personal devotion and political propaganda. Von Hurter’s choice of copper and the subdued palette aligns with contemporary trends that favored durability and a polished, courtly aesthetic.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Heinrich von Hurter (1734–1799) was an artist, born in Schaffhausen.
