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STUDIO OF SIR GODFREY KNELLER (1646-1723)
George I, King of Great Britain and Ireland, Elector of Hanover (1660–1727)
RCIN 403401
Sir Godfrey Kneller, who, like George I, had been born in Germany, portrayed every British monarch since Charles II. The present profile is one of several versions Kneller and his studio painted for the coin marking the beginning of the new reign. Dressed like a Roman emperor, the new king is represented as ‘Defender of the Faith’ ready to champion the Protestant cause.
First recorded at Buckingham Palace in 1866
Cat. 4
