The Georgians

The Georgians 

The third talk in my survey of the recently refurbished and refreshed National Portrait Gallery will look at the Georgian Era. Like the preceding Tudors (1485-1603) and Stuarts (1603-1714), 'the Georgians' lasted just over a century, from 1714-1830. However, this encompasses the work of several of the truly great British Portraitists during a period in which art in Britain flourished. This is a result of the growth of parliamentary democracy, a product of the limitations on the power of royalty which were an essential aspect of the rule of the last Stuart monarchs, William & Mary, and Anne. With this comes the growing importance of the middle classes, and a concomitant increase in their spending power. The new-found status and wealth was reflected in a larger demand for portraiture. 

I will talk about Hogarth, Reynolds and Gainsborough - to name but three of the 'greats' - and do not expect to cover the entire period in one go. As yet, I am not entirely sure how much I will be able to include, but I'll have a better idea after returning to the NPG this week! Rest assured, though, there will be great art - fantastic paintings and superb sculptures - not to mention a consideration of the merits (or otherwise) of the way in which the NPG has chosen to display it. 

NPG 3 (Part ii) will come at some point in the New Year, and may will constitute the Regency and beyond - George IV and William IV - but we'll see!