Hoppner, John

Hoppner, John, 1758–1810, English portrait painter. He was a protégé of George III, whose illegitimate son he was rumored to be. He imitated, without total success, the style of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Hoppner achieved a lifelong popularity rivaled only by that of Sir Thomas Lawrence. He painted with facility and lively color, though many paintings have now faded badly. Under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, many of Hoppner's best works were hung in St. James's Palace, where they remain. Among his famous portraits are those of the countess of Oxford (National Gall., London) and the duke of Kent (Windsor Castle). The Metropolitan Museum has many of his portraits.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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