Sir William Beechey

Sir William Beechey was a leading English portrait painter of the late Georgian period. His portraits are clear, restrained and elegant, and he painted royalty, admirals and society figures.

Born in Burford in Oxfordshire, he studied at the Royal Academy Schools and worked in Norwich before settling in London. In 1793 he became portrait painter to Queen Charlotte and was knighted in 1798. He painted George III, George IV, William IV and the young Princess Victoria, as well as Nelson and Sarah Siddons.

His works are in the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Tate and the Royal Collection. Look at the fresh colour and the direct, natural poses.