Portret van George III van het Verenigd Koninkrijk 1764

This is Jonathan Spilsbury’s portrait of George III of the United Kingdom. The dimensions of this artwork are 503mm in height and 352mm in width. The composition of the piece is quite striking. Spilsbury has rendered King George III in profile, drawing our eyes to the meticulous details of his face. Notice the way light and shadow play across his features, creating a sense of depth and volume. The artist used tonal variations to model the contours of the face and the folds of the clothing. The gaze of the portrait engages with signs of power and status. The elaborate attire, complete with the sash and the star, symbolizes the monarch's authority. However, the softness and the somewhat serene expression complicates the reading of power, opening up multiple interpretations. Is this the image of the king or a study in representation? The question remains open.