William Wyndham Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville

John Hoppner's portrait of William Wyndham Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville, of 1800 depicts the Whig statesman who served as Foreign Secretary during the French Revolutionary Wars and as Prime Minister of the 'Ministry of All the Talents' in 1806-07. Grenville was a significant figure in the Abolition movement, and his ministry passed the Slave Trade Abolition Act of 1807 — one of the most consequential pieces of legislation of the Romantic era. Hoppner's portrait captures the intelligent, somewhat cold bearing of a statesman whose political significance exceeded his public fame.

Hoppner renders the statesman with the broad, confident brushwork and warm palette characteristic of the English portrait tradition. The dignified pose and dark background create a commanding image of political authority.