William IV (1765–1837), Duke of Clarence

William, Duke of Clarence — the future King William IV — appears in this portrait painted around 1810 at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Clarence was the third son of George III, a former naval officer who lived unconventionally with the actress Dorothy Jordan for twenty years before eventually marrying a German princess. By 1810 he had not yet become heir to the throne — that came with the death of Princess Charlotte in 1817 — and his portrait represents him as a senior royal rather than a future monarch. Shee's ability to attract royal subjects demonstrates his success in the competitive London portrait market. Brighton's association with the Prince of Wales and Regency court culture makes its museum a natural home for this portrait of Clarence.

The royal sitter is presented with appropriate formality, though Shee captures something of Clarence"s bluff, unpretentious character through the open expression and direct gaze. The palette features the dark tones of formal court dress with touches of decoration and insignia providing color accents. Shee"s handling is competent if somewhat formulaic in the official portrait mode, with the face receiving the most individualized attention.