Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1800s.
The officer wears a single epaulette on the right shoulder, the mark of a captain of less than three years seniority; the portrait was possibly painted to mark the promotion of this young man from lieutenant to captain.
His sword by his side, his right hand holds a telescope, whilst to his left is a cannon.
This sensitive yet bravura portrait of a young Royal Naval officer painted during the Napoleonic War is typical of Lawrence's dramatic style; the background a windswept cloudiness, the sense of incipient action and danger.
This is apparent in every aspect, from the turn of the sitter's neck and the tousled 'Classical Roman' hairstyle - all revealing the debt to, and interest in, Classical sculpture and form which defined the taste of the age. This is a memorable painting of a young naval officer whose chosen career was one of considerable danger at a time when the British Isles were in great peril.
There is an urgency to the image and the unspoken drama that the sitter conveys is intensified by the lowering, stormy sky, and the picture communicates a romantic sensibility that was very much the fashion.
SIR THOMAS LAWRENCE (1769-1830) was the most remarkable British portrait painter of his day. He became an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1791, Member in 1794 and President in 1820. In 1792 he was made Painter to the King. Lawrence's work epitomised the Regency style.
SIZE: 20 x 17.5 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE:
Jim Ecolme, York (label verso)
Oxfordshire Private Collection.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1800s.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Sold....portrait of a Royal Navy Captain C.1810; Follower of Sir Thomas Lawrence.
