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1 of 253523 objects
George III (1738-1820) Signed and dated 1767
Enamel | 5.2 x 4.4 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 421851
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George III is depicted in profile wearing the ribbon of the Order of the Garter. This is an enlarged version of the King's engagement present to the Queen of his portrait in a pearl bracelet. It was probably one of the 'modern Enamels by Meyer' noticed by Horace Walpole, art historian and writer, when he visited Buckingham House in about 1780.
Jeremiah Meyer (1735-89) was born in Germany and his father was portrait painter to the Duke of Württemberg. He came to England about 1749 and studied under the artist Christian Friedrich Zincke. Meyer was commissioned to paint the King's miniature portrait, set in an oval of diamonds in the pearl bracelet given to Princess Charlotte as an engagement present. He also drew the King's profile for the new coinage which earned him a gold medal from the Society of Arts in 1761. He was appointed Miniature Painter to the Queen and Enamel Painter to the King in 1764. A founder member of the Royal Academy, he exhibited miniatures, enamels and watercolour drawings from 1769 to 1783. When he died, according to a contemporary, Charlotte Papendiek, Meyer's widow sent his remaining miniatures, including portraits of the royal family, to the sitters without making a charge. The Queen was so pleased that 'she liberally rewarded Mrs Meyer for her honourable conduct'.
Signed and dated with the monogram on the lower left: JM 67. The number 3 is on a label on the back.Provenance
Probably commissioned by George III; certainly identifiable in the Royal Collection, 1877
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Enamel
Measurements
5.2 x 4.4 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
4.9 x 4.0 cm (sight)
6.4 x 5.7 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)