Portrait of King William IV (1765-1837)

David Wilkie's portrait of King William IV, created in 1832, is a striking oil painting that captures the monarch in his Garter robes with St Edward's Crown beside him. Demonstrating Wilkie’s mastery, the work is rendered on canvas and showcases a sense of grandeur reminiscent of historical Hans Holbein. Although rooted in traditional portrait techniques, the painting also hints at the emotional depth and expressive qualities associated with Romanticism. Wilkie, who was Principal Painter in Ordinary to the king, effectively elevates the image of the monarch, blending regal authority with artistic finesse.