John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent

Sitterback to top

• John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent (1735-1823), Admiral. Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Lemuel Francis Abbott (circa 1760-1802), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 76 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

This portrait of 1795 shows John Jervais, Earl of St Vincent in the newly-designed naval full-dress uniform. Already a distinguished admiral, his greatest victory at the Battle of St Vincent (1797) was, however, yet to come. The close-up format and his fresh, ruddy complexion lend the painting an air of frankness and candour. He was known for his blunt style of command and shows none of the heroic airs often adopted on such occasions. This portrait was probably painted during the few months leave he spent in England before taking up his post in the Mediterranean as Commander-in-Chief.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 544
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 434

Subject/Themeback to top

• Regency War Heroes and Military Martyrs