An incident during the visit of George IV to Edinburgh, 1822
About this artwork
This drawing by Sir David Wilkie shows a group of six unidentified figures associated with the visit of King George IV to Edinburgh in 1822. Two of them wear Highland dress and one figure wears the uniform of the Royal Company of Archers. It is possible that the larger figure in the middle is the king himself. The first reigning monarch to come to Scotland for 150 years, his visit was largely stage-managed by Sir Walter Scott. Whilst Scots from throughout the country were urged to come to Edinburgh dressed in tartan, King George IV made an impression by wearing a kilt that was too short – well above the knees – and pink tights to hide his bare legs. Wilkie later painted a flattering full-length portrait of the king in kilt, which shows him slimmer and without tights.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir David Wilkie (1785 - 1841) Scottish
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title:An incident during the visit of George IV to Edinburgh, 1822
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date created:1822
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materials:Pencil and watercolour on paper
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measurements:13.70 x 18.90 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1973
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accession number:PG 2218
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gallery:
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subject:
Sir David Wilkie
Sir David Wilkie
Wilkie achieved international recognition for his highly original paintings of events and episodes from contemporary life. His skills as a narrator were evident in the facial expressions and poses of his characters, and in the informative detail he included. He was born in Fife, the son of a rural...