WILLIAM HOGARTH (1697-1764)
The Family of George II
c. 1731-2RCIN 401358
This is an oil sketch presumably for presentation to George II; unfortunately nothing more came of the project as William Kent intervened to chase off his rival. Hogarth seems to be planning something between a formal representation of an enthroned royal couple with their heirs and an informal family group enjoying a turn in the garden.
Less interested in the promotion of the arts than his consort, George II had a particular passion for military matters. He was the last British monarch to lead his troops into battle.
Purchased by HM The Queen in 1955
Cat. 245