John Hoppner

John Hoppner 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.

Bibliography: See study by W. McKay and W. Roberts (1914 ed.).

Hoppner, John (1758–1810). British portrait painter. He trained as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, and later received an allowance from George III to study at the Royal Academy Schools. The royal favour he was shown led to rumours that he was the king's illegitimate son. In 1789 he was appointed portrait painter to the Prince of Wales (later George IV) and after the death of Reynolds, he and Lawrence were the leading portraitists in the country. Hoppner rarely achieved striking individuality (his portraits often recall Reynolds and Romney and later Lawrence and Raeburn), but his best work, particularly when depicting women and children, has great charm.

Hoppner, John (b London, 4 Apr. 1758; d London, 23 Jan. 1810). British portrait painter. He trained as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, and later received an allowance from George III to study at the Royal Academy Schools. This royal favour led to rumours that he was the king's illegitimate son. In 1789 he was appointed portrait painter to the Prince of Wales (later George IV) and after the death of Reynolds, he and Lawrence were the leading portraitists in the country. Hoppner rarely achieved striking individuality (his portraits often recall Reynolds and Romney and later Lawrence and Raeburn), but his best work, particularly when depicting women and children, has great charm.