George IV: Art and Spectacle

George IV was arguably the most magnificent of the British monarchs. Visual display played an important role in his public image, an image that he worked hard to control.

Through the magnificent interiors of his houses and palaces in London and Brighton, numerous flattering portraits, carefully choreographed state occasions and his fashion choices, George IV attempted to shape public perception of his person as heir to the throne and as king. In doing so he formed an unrivalled collection of art, much of which remains in the Royal Collection today.

This scholarly monograph, published to accompany a major Royal Collection Trust exhibition, will examine George IV the man through the works he collected.

Includes works by Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Thomas Lawrence alongside examples of Sevres porcelain, elaborate timepieces, ornate silver-gilt tableware and other fascinating Kunstkammer treasures.