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Primary sourcePainting21 January 1801

King George III, Stipple Engraving by P. W. Tomkins

Peltro William Tomkins · 21 January 1801

An 1801 stipple engraving of King George III wearing the Order of the Garter, made during his reign.

This engraving shows George III smiling and wearing the Order of the Garter during his reign.

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Black and white stipple engraving of a man in a powdered wig and dark military-style coat with gold buttons, a star-shaped order badge on his chest, and a white cravat. Printed text below reads George the Third and a royal coat of arms.
Peltro William Tomkins, King George III, 1801. Wellcome Collection, London.

About this source

What it is

This is a stipple engraving of King George III made by Peltro William Tomkins, dated 21 January 1801. It is held by the Wellcome Collection.

The portrait shows the king's head and shoulders within a border, looking to the right, wearing the Order of the Garter and smiling.

Why it matters

Made while George III was still on the throne, this engraving shows how printmakers like Tomkins portrayed the king to the public during his reign, emphasising royal symbols such as the Garter.

Look closer

  • What does the king's expression suggest about how the artist wanted him to be seen?
  • Why might the Order of the Garter be included in the portrait?
  • What is missing from this image that might help you understand the king's rule?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George III on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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