Portrait of Ernest Augustus I (1771-1851), Duke of Cumberland and later King of Hanover (1837-1851), full-length, in the uniform of a British General Officer of Hussars, with the blue sash and breast star of the Order of the Garter

Details

William Owen (Ludlow 1769-1825 London)
Portrait of Ernest Augustus I (1771-1851), Duke of Cumberland and later King of Hanover (1837-1851), full-length, in the uniform of a British General Officer of Hussars, with the blue sash and breast star of the Order of the Garter
oil on canvas
94 1/8 x 58 ¼ in. (239.1 x 148 cm.)

Provenance

John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon (1751-1838), and by descent to the present owner.

Literature

(Probably) G.M. Willis, Ernest Augustus: Duke of Cumberland and King of Hanover, London, 1954, illustrated p. 385.

Exhibited

London, Government Art Collection, on long-term loan, 1927-2000, when hung at the Old War Office, 1947-1983, and at the Houses of Parliament.

Special notice

All sold and unsold lots marked with a filled square in the catalogue that are not cleared from Christie’s by 5:00 pm on the day of the sale, and all sold and unsold lots not cleared from Christie’s by 5:00 pm on the fifth Friday following the sale, will be removed to the warehouse of ‘Cadogan Tate’. Please note that there will be no charge to purchasers who collect their lots within two weeks of this sale.

Lot Essay

The fifth son of George III, Ernest Augustus led an extremely colourful life. His military career began in the Hanoverian army, where he served as a cavalry leader in 1793. In 1799 he was created duke of Cumberland and raised to lieutenant general of the British army. Upon the death of his elder brother, William IV in 1837, Ernest Augustus ascended the throne as King of Hanover.

In this striking portrait, the duke’s infamous iron will and celebrated military prowess are beautifully captured by Owen’s firm hand. The strength of his character is mirrored in the confidence of his pose, and the delicacy of detail with which every element of his uniform is recorded only serves to affirm his regal status.

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