Wax model for a portrait of King George IV (1762–1830) 1820

This wax model by Benedetto Pistrucci is a preparatory study for a portrait of King George IV. The model, created in 1820, depicts the King in profile, wearing a laurel wreath, and is a prime example of the artist's skillful use of wax. The detailed gridwork on the black base suggests that this was a working model, intended to be used for further refinement before a final version in another material. It is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.