White marble bust of the Duke of Gloucester with hair tied at the back, shoulders draped with classical costume, facing slightly to his left. Circular stepped socle.

Sculpted by the Irish artist Christopher Hewetson after a clay model, this marble bust of William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and younger brother of King George III, was commissioned during William Henry's first diplomatic mission to Rome in 1772.

Hewetson had established himself in Rome in 1765 where he specialized in marble bust portraits. In Rome he enjoyed the patronage of the fashionable and wealthy English aristocratic clientele visiting the city to explore its museums and classical ruins during their educational trip known as the Grand Tour. Marble portraits such as this one were must-have souvenirs that travellers brought back to England to decorate the luxurious interiors of their country and city homes.

William Henry returned to Rome for the second time in 1776. This time he visited for leisure and was accompanied by his wife, Maria, Duchess of Gloucester.