Lot 185: Johann Georg Paul Fischer (Anglo-German, 1786-1875)

Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767-1820), wearing Field Marshal's scarlet uniform with gold lace and aiguillette, the Order of the Garter on a ribbon about his neck, blue sash and breast star of the same Order, the badge and breast star of the Order of St. Patrick, and a further medal on pale blue ribbon
signed on obverse with initials IPF, set in the base of a red leather travelling case with ormolu slip
Rectangular, 105mm. (4 1/8ins.) high

Edward was the fourth son of King George III. He became Duke of Kent and Strathearn and Earl of Dublin in 1799. Most of his mature life was spent in military service in Gibraltar, Canada, and the West Indies. He married in 1818, Victoria Mary Louise of Saxe-Coburg. Their only child, Alexandrina Victoria was born in 1819. In 1837, on the death of her uncle William IV, she became Queen Victoria.

A another portrait of the Duke of Kent by Fischer, dated 1818, was lent to the South Kensington Museum, 1865 (no.3048). Fischer's portraits of the Duke's brothers, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Cumberland are in the Royal Collection. Their format is identical to the present lot, suggesting that they were all part of a series of portraits of the Royal sons by Fischer.