Studio of John Hoppner (London 1758-1810)

It is highly likely that this portrait was one of the earlier studio replica's of Hoppner's portrait of William Pitt. The prime version is considered to be that commissioned in 1804 by the Lord Mulgrave, now hanging at Cowdray Park. After it's completion, the painting remained in Hoppner's studio to allow artist George Clint to produce an engraving. It was still here at the time of Pitt's death in 1806, at which point twenty copies of the work were requested by friends of the Prime Minister. However, the present version possibly pre-dates Pitt's death, coming, as it does, from the collection of the Marquess of Clanricarde. The 1st Marquess had married Harriet, daughter of the Prime Minister George Canning, one of Pitt's closest friends. The portrait may have entered the collection by inheritance from Canning, who would have been one of the earliest commissioners of a studio copy.

We would like to thank Dr John Wilson for his help in compiling this entry.