In this miniature the prince is wearing Field Marshal’s uniform, miniature ribbons, the Order of the Golden Fleece and the stars of the Orders of the Garter, Holy Spirit, Black Eagle and St Andrew. The miniature is a smaller version of the one probably commissioned from Henry Bone (1755-1834) by the prince (RCIN 4756) and is based on a profile by Sir Thomas Lawrence. The original drawing is in the Royal Collection and is believed to have been done for a medal. It was developed into a full-length portrait for Lord Charles Stuart for the British Embassy in Vienna, and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1815. George IV liked to give copies of his portrait away as presents, for example to the young Princess Victoria in 1826, and this one was probably originally given to Lady Conyngham, the prince’s mistress.

Bone was born in Truro in Cornwall, the son of a woodcarver and cabinet maker, and began his artistic career painting on china for local manufacturers. In about 1779, he moved to London, where he became established as one of the most outstanding enamellists of his day. His children and grandchildren also became miniaturists. He painted designs for lockets, watches and jewellery. He was principally a copyist and his large-scale enamels were based on paintings by Old Masters and leading contemporary artists. He exhibited over 240 items at the Royal Academy between 1781 and 1832, when his eyesight began to fail. He was appointed enamel painter to the future George IV in 1801, before holding the same position to George III from 1809, and later George IV and William IV. Bone could obtain top prices for his work – in 1811 he received 2,200 guineas for his framed Bacchus and Ariadne. He was described by a contemporary as a ‘worthy, kind, liberal and affectionate man’.

Set in a rim of small diamonds and inscribed by the artist on the reverse in puce-coloured paint: H.R.H. the / Prince Regent / Painted by Hy Bone / R.A. Enamel pain- / ter to the King & / Prince Regent / London / Octr 1817.