Description:
John Hoppner
Portrait Of George Heath, Headmaster Of Eton
Watercolour on paper
250mm x 205mm
This portrait of George Heath, who was the headmaster of Eton School from 1792 to 1802, was painted by the celebrated artist John Hoppner. Hoppner was portrait painter to the Prince of Wales and modelled his work on the late style of Sir Joshua Reynolds. His best work is thought to have been completed early in his career when he was competing with the younger and more skilled artist Sir Thomas Lawrence, portrait painter to the King. Hoppner had an intruguing personal history. His parents, originally from Bavaria, worked at the royal court and there were rumours that John was King George III's illegitimate child. When the King noticed the young boy's talent he sent him to live with the Keeper of the King's Drawings. In 1780 Hoppner first exhibited at the Royal Academy and in 1875 he was commissioned to paint portraits of the King's three youngest daughters. Hoppner's understanding of anatomy, his appreciation of texture and his sharp wit ensured that he remained popular with aristocratic sitters throughout his life.