Shackleton replaced William Kent as Principal Painter in Ordinary to George II in 1749 in which post he remained until his death in 1767, when he was replaced by the artist who painted the official portraits of George III, Allan Ramsay.

There are many autograph full-length versions of Shackleton’s official portrait of George II (Wentworth Woodhouse, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, British Museum and Fishmonger’s Hall), none surprisingly in the Royal Collection. This is a studio version acquired by George IV and set up as part of the display of full-length dynastic portraits in the State Dining Room at Buckingham Palace by Queen Victoria in 1841.

The King is shown wearing robes of State with the collar of the Garter and holding the sceptre on a table beside the crown and orb.