This is the study from life for the figure of Melbourne in Hayter’s large painting of the House of Commons, 1833 (National Portrait Gallery, London). Queen Victoria had seen this study when Hayter was working on it and at first thought it ‘like but not near soft and pleasing enough’. A few days later she saw it again and thought it ‘liker but still too stern’. After she had bought it she placed it ‘on a sofa in my dressing-sitting room’. Melbourne was Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1827, Home Secretary in 1830 and Prime Minister 1835-41. He was agreeable, kind, amusing, clever and informative and greatly influenced the young Queen Victoria. A contemporary wrote ‘It is become his province to educate, instruct and form the most interesting mind and character in the world.’ Signed and dated: 'Sketch GH 1837'. On the back is a label on which is written in Hayter’s hand: 'Lord Viscount Melbourne / *Secretary of State for The Home department. / in 1833. / Study for my great picture of The / House of Commons in 1833. / made by me in Windsor Castle 1837 / George Hayter* 1st: Lord of the / Treasury in 1837-38.'