Shee was an Irish writer and painter whose first contact with royalty was a commission in 1800 to paint the Duke of Clarence (later William IV). His moment came in 1830 when William IV succeeded his brother and when he succeeded Lawrence as President of the Royal Academy and was knighted in the same year. All the original works of Shee in the collection were commissioned or acquired by William IV. Shee did also paint Queen Victoria in 1842 (Royal Academy). King admired Shee's 1833 portrait of Richard, Lord Wellesley (OM 1088, 404332) and agreed to sit himself for a portrait to be sent to Wellesley in Ireland. While sitting the King decided that he wanted the portrait for himself to hang in the throne room at Windsor. The King is here shown in Garter Robes with his right hand on his sword and St Edward's Crown and sceptre beside him on a cushion resting on a covered table; in the distance to the right is a view of Windsor Castle.