George Henry Fitzroy (1760–1844), 4th Duke of Grafton

Thomas Lawrence's portrait of George Henry Fitzroy, 4th Duke of Grafton of 1822 depicts a descendant of Charles II through his illegitimate offspring — the aristocratic family that represented both royal connection and Whig political tradition. Lawrence painted many members of the Fitzroy family throughout his career, and his portrait of the Duke demonstrates his sustained ability to create compelling character studies from patrician subjects whose social position required formal representation without sacrificing human observation.

Lawrence depicts the Duke with the polished authority of high rank, the face rendered with careful attention to the strong Fitzroy features. The academic setting of Trinity College may have influenced the somewhat more formal treatment compared to Lawrence's more relaxed society portraits.