ATTRIBUTED TO SIR FRANCIS CHANTREY (1781-1841), CIRCA 1822-1830

This famous image of George IV (1762-1830) originated in 1821, the year of his coronation, with Sir Thomas Lawrence's full-length portrait which established the King's 'official' likeness throughout his ten-year reign. The earliest recorded existing bust is at Chatsworth, which was commissioned by the 6th Duke of Devonshire in 1822. The present bust could well be one of the unsigned versions which were presented to the King and are now believed to be lost. There are two versions in the Royal Collection, dated 1828 and 1837, respectively.