SIR

See also:

• WILLIAM
• WILLIAM (1143-1214)
• WILLIAM (1227-1256)
• WILLIAM (1J33-1584)
• WILLIAM (A.S. Wilhelm, O. Norse Vilhidlmr; O. H. Ger. Willahelm, Willahalm, M. H. Ger. Willehelm, Willehalm, Mod.Ger. Wilhelm; Du. Willem; O. Fr. Villalme, Mod. Fr. Guillaume; from " will," Goth. vilja, and " helm," Goth. hilms, Old Norse hidlmr, meaning
• WILLIAM (c. 1130-C. 1190)
• WILLIAM, 13TH

WILLIAM

See also:

• BEECHEY, FREDERICK WILLIAM (1796—1856)
• SIR WILLIAM BEECHEY (1753—1839)

BEECHEY (1753—1839)  , English portrait-painter, was born at Burford . He was originally meant for a conveyancer, but a strong love for painting induced him to become a pupil at the Royal Academy in 1772 . Some of his smaller portraits gained him considerable reputation; he began to be employed by the nobility, and in 1703 became associate of the Academy . In the same year he was made portrait-painter to Queen Charlotte . He painted the portraits of the members of the royal family, and of nearly all the most famous or fashion-able persons of the time . What is considered his finest production is a. review of cavalry, a large composition, in the foreground of which he introduced portraits of George III., the prince of Wales and the duke of York, surrounded by a brilliant staff on horseback . It was painted in 1798, and obtained for the artist the honour of knighthood, and his election as R.A .