Oil On Canvas Portrait Of Charles James Fox (1749 - 1806)

A fine portrait of the Celebrated British Whig politician Charles James Fox. The statesman is depicted half length against a deep buff background. He wears the elegant clothing of a gentleman of substance, namely a dark blue jacket (which is about to burst open) a cream silk waistcoat and white frilled shirt. This well characterised portrait of a celebrated sitter is housed in an early 19th century frame which has recently been regilded.

Charles James Fox, 1749 – 1806                                       
Famous British Whig politician and statesman Charles James Fox was a larger than life character. His father, who eloped with Lady Caroline Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond was addicted to gambling but in spite of this amassed a large fortune as Paymaster General to the forces. He spoilt his son, Charles, and actively encouraged him in gambling and debauchery.
Young Charles became a ‘figure’ in society. It was said of him that he had three interests, gambling, women and politics in that order. Aged nineteen he was bought the parliamentary seat of Midhurst and within two years he was a junior Lord of the Admiralty. At the same age he also became High Steward for Malmesbury. This may be because his family owned Foxley Manor.
His political career was erratic and varied. He supported the American Declaration of Independence, wanted to reform the governance of India, supported the French Revolution and catholic emancipation, was violently against the slave trade and hated King George III. His last post was Secretary of State for Foriegn Affairs in Grenville’s ‘Ministry of all the talents’.

Thomas Beach (1738-1806)                                            
Thomas Beach studied with Sir Joshua Reynolds from 1760 to 1762, when he was also enrolled at the St Martin's Lane Academy. By 1770 he had settled in Bath, where he soon acquired a profitable reputation among fashionable visitors and residents. In 1772 Beach joined the Incorporated Society of Artists, contributing to its annual exhibitions until 1783. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1785 to 1797.
Provenance: The Robertson - Glasgow family collection. Leeds Castle Kent until deaccessioned.

Higher resolution images on request.                                                
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Canvas: 30” x 25” / 83cm x 76cm                                                           
Frame: 38” x 32” / 96.5cm x 82c