An 18th Reverse Glass Print – Portrait of King George II

Dimensions relate to size of frame

An early 18th century reverse glass print depicting the coronation portrait of King George II of England.

George II became King of England on 11 June 1727. This picture shows the monarch’s coronation in October that same year in printed form. It is signed T Ryley, and is taken from the portrait painted by Thomas Hudson. It is inscribed ‘His Most Excellent Majesty GEORGE the IId. King of Great Britain &c &c &c’

Reverse glass portraits of monarchs and national heroes were very fashionable in the 18th century. This medium enabled people to enjoy coloured depictions of the great and the good in their own homes. In many respects, they were the first ever pinups and are testament to the early existence of celebrity which became well established in Georgian Britain.

Reverse glass print held in a carved beaded giltwood frame.