Sir William Beechey, R.A. (Burford, Oxfordshire 1753-1839 London)

The present lot is a reduced autograph version of the full-length portrait at Buckingham Palace, where in the background his horse is held by a groom and in the far distance a troop of cavalry can be seen. According to Roberts, it was understood at the time that the horse was painted by Sawrey Gilpin (1733-1807) (op.cit.p. 70). The portrait was painted for the King together with a portrait of Queen Charlotte, at Windsor, probably in 1799-1800. A studio version of this exact composition can also be found in the National Portrait Gallery, London (NPG 2502). Another full-length version is in the possession of the Marquess of Salisbury at Hatfield House. It was presented by His Majesty to the 1st Marquess in commemoration of his visit to Hatfield on 13 June 1800, at the Grand Review of troops. The background was altered to a view of Hatfield House. A full-length autograph or studio version with Windsor castle in the background was on the art market at Christie's in 1947 and Sotheby's in 1963. (op.cit. Millar)