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An exceptionally striking portrait of King George III of Great Britain, presented in full royal and military splendor.
This imposing image depicts the young monarch seated in a brilliant scarlet military coat, wearing the insignia of the Order of the Garter, against a deep, dramatic background. His military accoutrements rest beside him, while the magnificent engraved title below announces:
“George the Third King of Great Britain &c. &c.”
This is not a subdued royal portrait. It is a powerful image of kingship, military command, rank and masculine authority—the kind of piece that immediately dominates an office, library, study, den or executive space.
The contrast between the scarlet uniform, white breeches, dark background and elaborate 18th-century calligraphy gives the portrait extraordinary visual presence.
IMPORTANT 18TH-CENTURY ARTISTS & INSCRIPTIONS
The lower margin contains the original engraved attribution:
“J. Zoffany Pinxit 1771”
— after the original portrait painted by celebrated royal portraitist Johan Joseph Zoffany
“Richard Houston Fecit 1772”
— identifying renowned mezzotint engraver Richard Houston
“Robert Sayer Excudit”
— identifying prominent London print publisher Robert Sayer
The work is therefore identified as the 1772 Richard Houston mezzotint after Zoffany\'s portrait of King George III, published by Robert Sayer.
This composition is documented in major British institutional collections, adding considerable historical interest to the piece.
A PORTRAIT OF A KING AT THE HEIGHT OF EMPIRE
Few historical figures are as instantly recognizable to American and British collectors as George III.
King from 1760 until 1820, George III occupied the British throne during one of the most consequential periods in Western history—including the American Revolution, Britain\'s wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France, and the enormous expansion of British global power.
What makes this portrait especially compelling is its date.
1772
It predates the Declaration of Independence by four years and depicts the monarch who would soon become inseparably connected with the founding story of the United States.
For collectors of royal memorabilia, British history, Georgian art, military history, Revolutionary War-era material and early Americana, the historical associations are exceptional.
COMMANDING DECORATIVE PRESENCE
Beyond its historical importance, this is simply a spectacular piece on the wall.
The vivid scarlet military coat jumps dramatically from the dark background. George III\'s relaxed but authoritative seated posture, royal decorations and military equipment create an unmistakable sense of power, privilege and command.
It has spent approximately the last 25 years displayed in a private office, where its scale and masculine character made it particularly effective as an executive statement piece.
It is currently presented beneath glass with a wide mat and an elaborate, substantial silver-tone architectural frame that complements the grandeur of the portrait beautifully.
Approximate size: 16 × 20 inches with frame 24 x 30 inches.
CONDITION
The print shows genuine age-related character, including toning, foxing and areas of brown staining, most noticeably across portions of the lower engraved title margin. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully.
Importantly, the historically significant inscriptions remain clearly visible, including:
Zoffany — 1771
Richard Houston — 1772
Robert Sayer
The work has not been removed from its current frame for examination, and no attempt has been made to clean, restore or alter the print.
Because the sheet has not been examined outside the frame, this listing identifies the work from its visible inscriptions and comparison with documented examples; the exact printing date of this particular impression has not been independently authenticated.
Sold exactly as photographed.
A MAGNIFICENT ROYAL STATEMENT PIECE
This is the sort of antique that works on two completely different levels.
For the collector, it represents George III, Zoffany, Richard Houston, Georgian Britain and the extraordinary historical period immediately preceding the American Revolution.
For someone simply looking for an impressive room, it is a large, masculine portrait of a British king in brilliant scarlet military dress that looks absolutely commanding on the wall.
Royalty. Military history. Georgian Britain. The American Revolution.
A superb conversation piece with more than 250 years of history associated with the original image.
