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1 of 253523 objects
W Dale (active 1756)
George Prince of Wales, afterwards King George III, on horseback 1756
Black wash | 57.0 x 45.2 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 913250
W Dale (active 1756)
George Prince of Wales, afterwards King George III, on horseback 1756
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A black ink drawing on vellum, in imitation of a mezzotint, showing George III as Prince of Wales on horseback, with a Black page below, and ships in the background. Signed in the lower border: W. Dale fecit 1756.
The drawing is a copy in imitation of a mezzotint by Bernard Baron after Franz Adolph of Freenthal. Impressions of an engraving of the same subject are 604291-3. The print reproduces a painting by Adolph painted in 1755 when George III was Prince of Wales. The equestrian pose, with classical column and draped curtain in the background conjure traditions from classical antiquity of representing imperial and royal rulers on horseback. The Black male figure, dressed 'exotically' in turban and luxurious clothing, is presented as a submissive figure looking up towards the prince, with his hand resting on the crown as if to demonstrate loyalty. Together with the ships in the background, he is not shown as an individual but as a representation of the global dominance of the British crown, through maritime power, and trade in goods and enslaved Black people. A preparatory study by Bernard Baron for the line engraving is 913249. -
Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Black wash
Measurements
57.0 x 45.2 cm (sheet of paper)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 13250
