King George III and Queen Charlotte - Benjamin West
Archival giclée
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Description
A refined double portrait of King George III and Queen Charlotte, rendered in profile by Benjamin West in 1776.
This double portrait by Benjamin West depicts King George III and Queen Charlotte in profile, a compositional choice that draws upon the tradition of classical coinage and commemorative medallions. West, an American-born painter who achieved significant success in London, served as the official history painter to the King. His proximity to the royal court allowed for a direct observation of his subjects, resulting in a work that balances formal state representation with a sense of personal intimacy.
The figures are positioned against a dark, atmospheric background, which directs the viewer's attention to the refined features of the monarchs. George III is shown wearing the insignia of the Order of the Garter, his blue velvet coat and gold chain rendered with precise attention to texture and light. Beside him, Queen Charlotte is depicted with a soft, powdered hairstyle and delicate lace, reflecting the fashion of the late eighteenth century. The oval format of the canvas reinforces the classical nature of the portrait, echoing the aesthetic preferences of the period.
West was instrumental in the development of British history painting, often blending contemporary subjects with the grand manner of the Old Masters. In this work, the artist avoids excessive ornamentation, focusing instead on the psychological presence of the sitters. The lighting is controlled, creating a gentle contrast between the illuminated profiles and the surrounding shadows. This piece provides a clear example of the portraiture style favoured by the British aristocracy during the reign of George III, capturing the public image of the monarchy at a specific moment in history. The technical execution demonstrates West's proficiency in oil, particularly in his handling of the fabric and the subtle tonal shifts across the skin, which contribute to the overall realism of the depiction.
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Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
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- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
King George III and Queen Charlotte - Benjamin West
Artist Biography
Benjamin West
He was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, in 1738, a Quaker-raised boy from the colonies who became the second president of the Royal Academy in London, holding the post for twenty-eight years. He arrived in England in 1763 after studying in Italy and quickly gained the patronage of George III, serving as the king's historical painter from 1772 to 1801.
He trained a generation of American painters in London, including Gilbert Stuart, Charles Willson Peale, Samuel Morse and John Trumbull. Each returned to America and shaped the new nation's visual culture. West stayed in London and died there in 1820, at eighty-one.
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