File:Portrait of George II (British Museum).jpg

George II, although he initially evinced little interest in the Museum, was the sovereign who gave the Royal Assent to the British Museum Act 1753. In 1757 he donated the Old Royal Library of the Sovereigns of England. To demonstrate their gratitude the Museum’s Trustees commissioned a portrait from the artist John Shackleton. The artist was principal painter-in-ordinary both to King George II and George III. This painting is posthumous since the King died in 1760. It shows a somewhat younger man than that, for example, portrayed in Robert Edge Pine’s portrait of 1759 at Audley End.

The first references to this painting are in Minutes of the Standing Committee 16 April 1762 (c. 758): Mr Shackleton having acquainted the Committee, that the picture of His late Majesty King George the Second was finished except the shading, wch he desired leave to be permitted to do at the Museum, in order to adapt it according to the situation it is to be placed in. Ordered, That the said leave be granted, and that the Messenger, or the Assistant Man Servant do attend him. 6 August 1762 (c. 782) Ordered, That Mr Stone do prepare a frame for the Picture of His late Majesty according to the drawing laid before the Committee by Mr Shackleton. The price of which is not to exceed the sum of £11:11. Ordered, That Mr Shackleton do procure two Vases, to be placed near the late King's Picture upon the same plan with that offered by him to the Committee. 5 December 1766 (c. 1088): A frame for the late King's picture having been offered to the Committee by Mr Stone the maker, for eight guineas, it was agreed to take it for that price.'

The portrait is mentioned in an 1769 manuscript playlet (British Library Add. ms. 27,276 fol. 14): 'Scene III The first 4 Rooms Dr G---d: What think you of that picture? It was painted of his late Majesty by Shackleton. Stranger: Upon my word a very fine resemblance.'

A ms Guide, watermarked 1805 states that in the Saloon or Second Antiquity Room 'over the fireplace is a whole length portrait of George the Second'. In the Synopsis (1809) p.12 it is mentioned that in The Saloon 'over the Chimney is a full length portrait of King George II by Shackleton'.

An article in The Times 27 November 1838 by a writer who is not always accurate refers to '8. George II in his Coronation robes. This picture was painted for the Mercers' Company* [*Note: Connoisseur XVLVII (1961) asserts that this is most unlikely]. The wig is that from which the one worn by George III at the last installation of the Knights of the Garter in his reign was taken. The picture is a likeness, and was painted by Shackleton.'