Charles James Fox
- Artist: Karl Anton Hickel
- Date: 1794
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 52 in. x 44 1/2 in. (1321 mm x 1130 mm)
- Portrays: Charles James Fox
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
In the National Portrait Gallery, you see Anton Hickel’s oil‑on‑canvas portrait of Charles James Fox, painted in 1794 at his Surrey country house. You’ll notice Fox’s calm, tidy pose; he wears a buff waistcoat and blue coat and trousers, echoing the uniform of American revolutionaries that Whig politicians adopted as a sign of support for independence. The artist has captured subtle shading on his face, giving depth to his contemplative eyes. Hickel worked in the Regency‑style portrait tradition, using rich oil layers that give the clothing texture and skin warmth. Fox was leader of the Whig Party from 1784 until his death; this work reflects his public stature and personal style.
See it in person
Charles James Fox is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
