拍品專文
William Robert Fitzgerald was the second son of James, 1st Duke of Leinster by Lady Emily Lennox. He was elected a Member of Parliament for Dublin and the county of Kildare in the general election of 1769. In 1773 he succeeded his father as 2nd Duke of Leinster and soon after married Olivia, only daughter and heiress of St. George Ussher, Lord St. George. Following his succession he rather eschewed politics although his high rank and influential connections caused his support to be sought by all parties. Indeed Leinster was one of the first persons consulted by Lord Cornwallis regarding the proposed Act of Union and was handsomely compensated for the loss of his influence and interest after the act had been passed. The Duke of Leinster is the central figure in Francis Wheatley's famous picture, A view of College Gren with a meeting of the Volunteers on 4 November 1779 to commemorate the birthday of King William (National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin).