Lady Hester King (died 1873)

Hoppner's Lady Hester King, probably from 1805, is a late portrait showing the artist's mature command of the grand manner tradition he had inherited from Reynolds and was transmitting to Lawrence. Lady King's flowing dress, landscape setting, and composed bearing reflect the conventions of aristocratic female portraiture that Hoppner had refined over decades. By 1805, Hoppner was a Royal Academician and Painter to the Prince of Wales, his position at the apex of the British portrait market secure. His late works show a confident assurance that distinguished them from both his earlier imitations of Reynolds and from the more theatrical style Lawrence was simultaneously developing.

Hoppner's mature technique renders the sitter with characteristic warmth and elegance. The palette is rich and harmonious, with luminous flesh tones and fluid handling of the costume. The composition is elegant and understated, reflecting the refined taste of Regency portraiture.