William Beechey (1753-1839) was an English portrait painter who gained fame for his elegant and refined portraits of the aristocracy and royalty. Born in Burford, Oxfordshire, Beechey began his artistic career as a student of the Royal Academy in London. He quickly established himself as a skilled portraitist, and his work was in high demand among the upper classes. Beechey's portraits were known for their attention to detail and their ability to capture the personality and character of his subjects. He painted many notable figures of his time, including King George III, Queen Charlotte, and the Duke of Wellington. His work was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was elected as a member of the Royal Academy in 1793. Beechey continued to paint throughout his long career, and his work remained popular even after his death. Today, his portraits can be found in many prestigious collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in London.