William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65)

David Morier (c.1705 - 1770)

Oil on canvas

c.1750
  • About the work

    This portrait is has been cut down and is thought to be the ‘anonymous whole length’ portrait of the Duke mentioned by John Kerslake in his catalogue of 'Early Georgian Portraits'. Kerslake dates the portrait to c.1745 and states that it could be the work of artist and printseller Arthur Pond (c.1701-1758). Kerslake also notes that the picture ‘is splendidly framed with military attributes’, including axes, spiked daggers and pistols. These serve to enhance this soldier’s ruthless and warmongering reputation. Other notable portraits of the Duke of Cumberland, painted by David Morier and Sir Joshua Reynolds, are in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

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    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting
  • Details
    Title
    William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65)
    Date
    c.1750
    Medium
    Oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    height: 158.50 cm, width: 114.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Transferred from the Ministry of Defence, April 2017
    Provenance
    Bought by Lord Lee of Fareham from Christie's, 24 February 1922 (Lot 104). Given by him to the Admiralty (according to Viscount Cilcecin, "Admiralty House, Whitehall" (Country Life 1960))
    GAC number
    4474