Equestrian portrait of William, Duke of Cumberland (1721–1765)

This unusual portrait of William, Duke of Cumberland, presents a military figure in a surprisingly delicate medium: reverse-painted and mirrored glass. The Duke, a son of King George II and a prominent commander in the British Army, is shown astride a rearing horse, a classic pose for powerful leaders. His uniform is detailed, with a sash across his chest and a tricorn hat. The artist, Jacques-Louis David, was only about three years old when this work was made, making the attribution of this piece, dated to 1751, implausible. David would later become celebrated for his Neoclassical paintings, often depicting grand historical scenes and portraits. This piece, with its reflective surface and intricate technique, offers a unique blend of formal portraiture and decorative art, capturing the Duke's formidable presence with an unexpected shimmer.