A study from life for the figure of Sheridan in Hickel's painting of William Pitt the Younger addressing the House of Commons, 'The House of Commons 1793-4' (National Portrait Gallery). The study remained in the artist's possession until his death. Sheridan was a close friend and adviser of the Prince of Wales. Politically he was associated with the Whigs. He was also a distinguished playwright and won fame with his three brilliant comedies – 'The Rivals', 'The School for Scandal' and 'The Critic'. He bought David Garrick’s share of the Drury Lane Theatre, assumed the managership and built a new theatre (1794), which burnt down in 1809. One of the most brilliant parliamentary speakers of his time, Sheridan spoke at considerable length (nearly six hours) in the House of Commons in favour of the impeachment of Warren Hastings, 1788. Hickel, a portrait-painter, was a pupil in Vienna of his brother, Joseph. He became Principal Painter to the Emperor Joseph II, although he visited London and exhibited at the Society of Artists, 1791 and the Royal Academy 1792-1796.