Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), with her Two Eldest Sons

In Ramsay's portrait Queen Charlotte is seated with Prince Frederick, later Duke of York, on her lap. She leans against a piano upon which is a work-box and a copy of John Locke's 'Some Thoughts Concerning Education' (1693). At her knee stands Prince George, with a bow; behind him is a drum. Both boys are wearing dresses as they are too young to have yet been breeched. Interestingly, the three sitters are painted on three separate pieces of canvas which have been joined together. It is possible that this was because the young Prince George grew and changed so quickly during the course of the commission that Ramsay was forced to alter the composition towards the end.