King George I
- Object:
- Place of origin:
Great Britain, UK (painted)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
Lens, Bernard, born 1681 - died 1740 (artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
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This miniature bears an inscription in the artist’s hand on a paper support at the back. It reads, ‘Georgius D.G. Mag: Britan / nicae Franciae et Hiberniae Rex / Fidei Defensor Brun: et Lunen / Dux: S.R.I. Arch Thesau: Princeps / Elector &c Inauguratus XX die / Octobris 1714 / G Kneller S.R. Imp: et Mag. Brit: / Baronet : pinx/ Ab Original: Bernard Lens / Londini fecit 1718 / June ye 27’. Bernard Lens was miniature painter to George I (ruled 1714–27) and later to George II (ruled 1727–60). Nonetheless, his miniatures of the two kings are invariably copies of oil paintings by other artists, rather than original works from actual sittings.
Physical description
Oval miniature portrait, head and shoulders, turned slightly to left and looking to front. The sitter is wearing an ermine robe, chain around his shoulders, wig and cravat.
Place of Origin
Great Britain, UK (painted)
Date
1718 (painted)
Artist/maker
Lens, Bernard, born 1681 - died 1740 (artist)
Materials and Techniques
Watercolour on ivory
Marks and inscriptions
'Georgius D.G. Mag: Britan / nicae Franciae et Hiberniae Rex / Fidei Defensor Brun: et Lunen / Dux: S.R.I. Arch Thesau: Princeps / Elector &c Inauguratus XX die / Octobris 1714 / G Kneller S.R. Imp: et Mag. Brit: / Baronet : pinx/ Ab Original: Bernard Lens / Londini fecit 1718 / June ye 27'
Dimensions
Height: 72 mm sight, Width: 62 mm sight, Height: 90 mm frame, Height: 100 mm frame with hook, Width: 77 mm frame, Depth: 8 mm frame
Object history note
Item Provenance: Provenance: See P.60-1987
Descriptive line
Miniature portrait by Bernard Lens (III, the Younger) of King George I. Watercolour on ivory, 1718.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Susan Doran, ed. Royal River. Power Pageantry& the Thames London, Greenwich Museum, 2012, cat. 87, pp. 134-5.
Exhibition History
The Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames (National Maritime Museum 27/04/2012-09/09/2012)
Materials
Watercolour; Ivory
Subjects depicted
Man; King; Robes; Wig; Chain; George (I, King of England); Ermine; Cravat
Categories
Portraits; Royalty; Paintings
Collection code
PDP
