It depicts the future George IV, then Prince of Wales.

[1] It was painted by Beechey as his "diploma piece" after his election to the Royal Academy.

[2] Beechey also painted a copy in 1803 at Prince George's command, to present to his younger brother Edward, Duke of Kent.

[3] Beechey was a prominent portrait artist of the Regency era, picking up a number of royal commissions.

In 1830 he stood for election as the president of the Royal Academy but finished second to Martin Archer Shee.