George Keith Elphinstone, later Viscount Keith (1746-1823) 1799 - 1801
Oil on canvas | 128.4 x 102.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 400990
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Hoppner was the son of a German physician working at the court of George II; he was encouraged to become a painter by George III, studying drawings in the Royal Collection as well as attending the RA Schools. In 1793, after the death of Reynolds, Hoppner was appointed Principal Portrait Painter to the Prince of Wales. Lord Keith had a most distinguished naval career, also serving in the household of the Duke of Clarence (later William IV). This portrait was painted in 1799 when the sitter was a Vice-Admiral; a mezzotint appeared in 1800 showing the uniform of that rank. In 1801 Lord Keith was promoted to full Admiral and the cuffs in this portrait were altered to reflect in the change. The sitter also sports the ribbon and star of the Order of the Bath. Like almost all Hoppner portraits painted for George IV this one was only delivered in 1810 after the artist’s death and by his widow. In 1828 it was sent with what seems to be its pair, the portrait of John Willett Payne (RCIN 405662), to the ‘New Gallery’ in Windsor (that is Grand Corridor).
Provenance
Painted for George IV; recorded in store at Carlton House in 1816 (no 259) and 1819 (no 336); taken to the 'New Gallery' (Grand Corridor) at Windsor Castle in 1828
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
128.4 x 102.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
154.4 x 129.2 x 9.3 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)