George III, c.1820 (mezzotint)

Mezzotint of George III as king. Three quarter length with long hair, full beard, and ermine edged robe. Seated, with head resting in right hand and with left placed on chair. An early state with uncleaned edges and without lettering. Proof state, for other impressions see RCIN 604481 and RCIN 604482, and for a later state see RCIN 604483 and RCIN 604484. Accurate likenesses of George III were almost non-existent during the last years of his life, when he was withdrawn from public view. Here S.W. Reynolds elaborated upon a sketch of the king made by the sculptor Matthew Wyatt when he was working at Windsor. The proof states show the monarch with a wild, Lear-like appearance. The Prince Regent was approached for approval to publish and, on the third proof, alterations probably requested by the prince are marked in pencil. The published state shows these adjustments carried out, making the king more dignified in appearance.