America / 1783
George III
George III
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs George III as painting (America · 1783).
WHY IT’S INTERESTING
Over the king's shoulder is a cape trimmed with ermine, a fur associated with royalty.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Benjamin West (American, born The Thirteen Colonies, 1738–1820).
The museum's collection notes: King George III commissioned more than 80 paintings from West, including this portrait that celebrates his military leadership by presenting him in a suit of armor. Such an image likely was intended to bolster George III's reputation, which had been tarnished the previous year when he was forced to formally recognize American independence.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtGeorge IIIOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.