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ID #SA1195210
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£15,000
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Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
for sale €17,550     $19,050
£15,000
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

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Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

18th century
Description

Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale, 9th Baronet (1731–1791)

By John Simmons the Younger (Nailsea 1715–1780)

Circa 1760 | Oil on Canvas | Bonhams Provenance

A distinguished mid-18th-century British naval portrait depicting Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale in his prime, attributed to the West Country portraitist John Simmons the Younger. Combining documented Royal Navy service, hereditary title, geographic legacy, and public auction provenance, this work offers significant appeal to collectors of maritime art, Georgian portraiture, and British gentry history.

The Sitter: Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale

Born on 15 February 1731 at Kneesworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, Sir Gamaliel Nightingale belonged to one of England’s long-established baronet families. Educated at the Royal Naval Academy from 1744, he received formal instruction in navigation, seamanship, and gunnery — a professional foundation that distinguished trained officers of the period.

Over a 35-year naval career (1744–1779), Nightingale advanced through the ranks from midshipman to post-captain. His service included:

HMS Rippon (54 guns)

HMS Porcupine (16 guns)

HMS Hind, HMS Falcon, HMS Wager

Senior lieutenant aboard HMS Prince George (80 guns) and HMS Dublin (74 guns)

He achieved independent command as Commander of HMS Badger (1757–1758), and subsequently as Captain of HMS Vengeance (28 guns), a captured French vessel recommissioned into Royal Navy service. Under his command, Vengeance participated in operations during the Seven Years’ War and on 13 March 1761 captured the 44-gun French privateer Entreprenant near Land’s End — an action demonstrating tactical capability in independent frigate command.

He later commanded HMS Flora (32 guns) and retired on half-pay in 1779 in accordance with Royal Navy practice during peacetime contraction.

Exploration Legacy: Nightingale Island

During service in the South Atlantic in 1760, Nightingale charted or observed a volcanic island within the Tristan da Cunha group. The island was subsequently named Nightingale Island in his honour. Today it is designated an Important Bird Area, linking the sitter not only to naval warfare but also to geographic discovery and environmental history.

Lineage and Estate

The Nightingale Baronetcy of Newport Pond was created in 1628. The family coat of arms — Per pale ermine and gules, a rose counterchanged — together with the crest of an ibex sejant argent, armed and maned or, and the motto Pro Rege et Patria (“For King and Country”), reflects longstanding martial tradition.

Kneesworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, served as the ancestral seat for over two centuries. Archival documentation, including the 1768 Chesterton Terrier (Cambridgeshire Archives), records estate transactions involving Captain Nightingale in 1772, further corroborating his landed status and regional influence.

The family maintained a multi-generational military tradition, with descendants serving in the Third Foot Guards, Royal Marines, British Army campaigns, and into the 20th century, including Major-General Manners Ralph Willmot Nightingale.

The Portrait

The sitter is depicted half-length in formal Royal Navy uniform: a deep navy coat with white facings and gilt detailing. The controlled palette of blues, whites, and gold creates a dignified tonal harmony characteristic of mid-Georgian portraiture.

The painter’s handling reveals:

Subtle modelling of flesh tones with soft gradation.

Assertive brushwork in metallic and uniform passages.

A restrained atmospheric background enhancing psychological presence.

Balanced composition drawing the viewer’s focus directly to the sitter’s gaze.

The stylistic treatment aligns with works attributed to John Simmons the Younger, active in the Somerset and Bristol region during the mid-18th century. Simmons specialised in commissioned portraits of gentry

Physical Dimensions
Height
92.8cm (36.54")
Width
79cm (31.10")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Georgian Naval Oil Portrait to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1195210
Dealers Internal Reference
758
Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

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We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

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(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

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Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.

If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.

Description
Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale, 9th Baronet (1731–1791)

By John Simmons the Younger (Nailsea 1715–1780)

Circa 1760 | Oil on Canvas | Bonhams Provenance

“
A distinguished mid-18th-century British naval portrait depicting Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale in his prime, attributed to the West Country portraitist John Simmons the Younger.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Combining documented Royal Navy service, hereditary title, geographic legacy, and public auction provenance, this work offers significant appeal to collectors of maritime art, Georgian portraiture, and British gentry history.

fig 1. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 1. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

The Sitter: Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale

Born on 15 February 1731 at Kneesworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, Sir Gamaliel Nightingale belonged to one of England’s long-established baronet families. Educated at the Royal Naval Academy from 1744, he received formal instruction in navigation, seamanship, and gunnery — a professional foundation that distinguished trained officers of the period.

fig 2. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 2. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Over a 35-year naval career (1744–1779), Nightingale advanced through the ranks from midshipman to post-captain. His service included:

HMS Rippon (54 guns)

HMS Porcupine (16 guns)

HMS Hind, HMS Falcon, HMS Wager

fig 3. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 3. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Senior lieutenant aboard HMS Prince George (80 guns) and HMS Dublin (74 guns)

He achieved independent command as Commander of HMS Badger (1757–1758), and subsequently as Captain of HMS Vengeance (28 guns), a captured French vessel recommissioned into Royal Navy service. Under his command, Vengeance participated in operations during the Seven Years’ War and on 13 March 1761 captured the 44-gun French privateer Entreprenant near Land’s End — an action demonstrating tactical capability in independent frigate command.

fig 4. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 4. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

He later commanded HMS Flora (32 guns) and retired on half-pay in 1779 in accordance with Royal Navy practice during peacetime contraction.

Exploration Legacy: Nightingale Island

During service in the South Atlantic in 1760, Nightingale charted or observed a volcanic island within the Tristan da Cunha group. The island was subsequently named Nightingale Island in his honour. Today it is designated an Important Bird Area, linking the sitter not only to naval warfare but also to geographic discovery and environmental history.

fig 5. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 5. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Lineage and Estate

The Nightingale Baronetcy of Newport Pond was created in 1628. The family coat of arms — Per pale ermine and gules, a rose counterchanged — together with the crest of an ibex sejant argent, armed and maned or, and the motto Pro Rege et Patria (“For King and Country”), reflects longstanding martial tradition.

fig 6. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 6. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Kneesworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, served as the ancestral seat for over two centuries. Archival documentation, including the 1768 Chesterton Terrier (Cambridgeshire Archives), records estate transactions involving Captain Nightingale in 1772, further corroborating his landed status and regional influence.

fig 7. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 7. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

The family maintained a multi-generational military tradition, with descendants serving in the Third Foot Guards, Royal Marines, British Army campaigns, and into the 20th century, including Major-General Manners Ralph Willmot Nightingale.

fig 8. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 8. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

The Portrait

The sitter is depicted half-length in formal Royal Navy uniform: a deep navy coat with white facings and gilt detailing. The controlled palette of blues, whites, and gold creates a dignified tonal harmony characteristic of mid-Georgian portraiture.

fig 9. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 9. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

The painter’s handling reveals:

Subtle modelling of flesh tones with soft gradation.

Assertive brushwork in metallic and uniform passages.

A restrained atmospheric background enhancing psychological presence.

fig 10. An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
fig 10. Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Balanced composition drawing the viewer’s focus directly to the sitter’s gaze.

The stylistic treatment aligns with works attributed to John Simmons the Younger, active in the Somerset and Bristol region during the mid-18th century. Simmons specialised in commissioned portraits of gentry

Height
92.8cm (36.54")
Width
79cm (31.10")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Date of Manufacture

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Georgian Naval Oil Portrait to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1195210
Dealers Internal Ref
758
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2021

Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Profile Page

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An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
1 / 26
Archive I An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.

Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger

Archive II An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View II
Archive III An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XIII
Archive XIV An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XIV
Archive XV An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XV
Archive XVI An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XVI
Archive XVII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XVII
Archive XVIII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XVIII
Archive XIX An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XIX
Archive XX An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XX
Archive XXI An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXI
Archive XXII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXII
Archive XXIII An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXIII
Archive XXIV An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXIV
Archive XXV An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXV
Archive XXVI An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame. View XXVI
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Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Telephone 07494 763 382
Location
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom

By appointment
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/cheshireantiques
Verified Since Jan 2021
Items For Sale 250
Items Sold 214
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Verified Since Jan 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom, , By appointment
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/cheshireantiques
Verified
Jan 2021
For Sale
250
Sold
214
An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
Oil Portrait of Captain Sir Gamaliel Nightingale — By John Simmons the Younger
Ref: SA1195210
An 18th-century Georgian oil portrait on canvas depicting a naval officer in a dark blue and white gold-trimmed uniform, set within an ornate giltwood frame.
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FAQs

Georgian portrait painting during the 18th century focused on depicting aristocrats, military officers, and prominent public figures with realistic detail and formal composition. These artworks emphasised social status through elaborate attire, naval or military uniforms, and structured portrait poses.

Artists utilised oil pigments bound in drying oils, applied to stretched linen canvas. Frames were typically constructed from carved timber and finished using water-gilding techniques with thin gold leaf over a clay bole layer.

Authenticity is evaluated by assessing natural canvas aging, period-accurate stretcher bar construction, historical pigment composition, and uniform craquelure across the paint layer. Ultraviolet light and infrared examination are also used to detect restoration work.

An antique portrait works effectively as a focal point above a fireplace mantelpiece, within a lined library, or hanging along a staircase wall. Pairing historic framed art with contemporary background tones produces an intentional aesthetic contrast.

Oil paintings require stable relative humidity and room temperature away from direct sources of heat or moisture. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent fading, and dusting should be performed using a soft dry brush without chemical cleaners.
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