The Trial of Queen Caroline | |
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Artist | George Hayter |
Year | 1823 |
Type | Oil on canvas |
Dimensions | 233 cm × 356.2 cm (92 in × 140.2 in) |
Location | National Portrait Gallery, London |
The Trial of Queen Caroline is an 1823 history painting by the British artist George Hayter.[1] It depicts the events of 1820, in which George IV, who had recently succeeded to the throne, attempted to divorce his long-estranged wife, Caroline of Brunswick. In order to secure his divorce, George had a special bill moved in the House of Lords. The Lords heard evidence of the Queen's adultery, but with public opinion strongly in Caroline's favour, the measure was ultimately withdrawn by the government.[2] Caroline remained married to George until her death the following year.