Portrait of George Canning, Charles Turner, after Thomas Lawrence, 1829
paper, h 708mm × w 432mm More details
The British statesman George Canning is here presented standing before the empty benches in the House of Commons. Lawrence’s painted portrait probably dates from 1822, the year when Canning was appointed foreign secretary. Canning became prime minister in April 1827. His health was in decline at that time, and he died a mere 119 days into holding this office.
