Carl Maria von Weber

John Cawse's portrait was the last painted of Weber, dating from shortly before the composer’s death in June 1826. Weber was in London staying with his friend Sir George Smart, the pre-eminent British conductor of the time, whom Cawse also painted. During these months Weber was immersed in completing his last opera Oberon, which was premiered on the 12th April at Covent Garden under the composer's baton.