Portret van George II Augustus, koning van Engeland 1741 - 1761

Pieter Tanjé sketched this portrait of George II Augustus, King of England, likely in the mid-18th century. Tanjé, working in the Dutch Republic, captures the regal bearing of a monarch who was both a British king and a German prince. The sketch reveals more than just a likeness; it speaks to the construction of power and identity. George II, born and raised in Germany, inherited a complex political landscape. How did he navigate his dual identity, and how did this influence his reign? Tanjé’s delicate lines bring us face to face with a man whose identity was as carefully constructed as his elaborate wig. Consider the weight of representation in this image. What does it mean to portray a king? It’s a potent reminder that identity, especially for those in power, is as much about performance as it is about the self. The portrait invites us to reflect on the legacies of power, and the personal narratives they often obscure.