George I, on Horseback 

David Morier painted this portrait of George I on horseback, but the exact date remains unknown. Morier, a Swiss artist, became known for his military and equestrian paintings, often commissioned by the British Royal Family. Notice how the painting captures George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, in a moment of stately command. But it also reflects the complex political and cultural dynamics of the early 18th century. George I, who spoke little English, was viewed by some with suspicion, as an outsider. Equestrian portraits like this one served as powerful symbols of authority. They were deployed to legitimize his reign and project an image of strength and nobility. Consider how the artist’s own identity as a foreign-born artist might have influenced his approach to portraying the British monarch. The painting invites us to reflect on the construction of identity, the performance of power, and the narratives we tell about leadership.